The Indian hotel chain MGM Muthu Hotels, which has partnered with the Cuban government on several projects across the island, will begin operating domestic flights between various locations in Cuba to enhance tourism across multiple destinations, addressing the inadequacies of state airlines like Cubana de Aviación and Aerogaviota.
Nesamani Maran Muthu, president of MGM Muthu Hotels, stated to the official newspaper Granma that the airline Muthu Aviation will manage the routes after securing approval from Cuba's civil aviation authorities.
Maran Muthu attended the 42nd edition of the International Tourism Fair (FitCuba-2024) and highlighted that MGM Muthu Hotels was the first Indian hotel chain to establish a presence in Cuba six years ago. The chain is recognized for its innovative approach, including the launch of Cuba's first LGBTIQ+ hotel, the Grand Muthu Rainbow Hotel, located in Cayo Guillermo, Jardines del Rey, Ciego de Ávila.
Domestic flight routes in Cuba operated by Muthu Aviation:
- Havana – Cayo Coco (north of Ciego de Ávila)
- Havana – Cayo Santa María (north of Villa Clara)
- Havana – Santiago de Cuba
- Havana – Holguín
"Visitors to Cuba often wish to spend a few days in Havana before heading to the beaches, which is currently only feasible by road. Thus, I believe Muthu Aviation will be an added benefit because, for instance, it will only take an hour and a half to travel from Havana to Holguín," the businessman explained.
Muthu Aviation has recruited all its staff from Europe. "We have a European aircraft that we are bringing here, operating under European standards and regulations. Our crew, including pilots and flight attendants, as well as engineers, are European, and we have certification from EASA – the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, ensuring compliance with European regulations. This provides a safety guarantee for European passengers and allows travel agents to book our flights with complete confidence," he said.
Recently, MGM Muthu Hotels signed an agreement with the Cubanacán Group to market and manage the Segundo Frente hotel in the Sierra Cristal. This new project, featuring around 600 rooms, reinforces the Indian chain's commitment to developing tourism in Cuba.
Maran Muthu also announced that MGM Muthu Hotels has plans for new investments in Cuba, including an agricultural project to ensure the sustainability of its hotel facilities. This is necessary because state agriculture cannot meet the demand, and food imports negatively impact the profitability of the hotel business.
The Indian hotel chain has 11 leisure and recreation facilities in Cuba, located in Varadero, Cayo Santa María, Cayo Coco, and Cayo Guillermo. In Cayo Guillermo alone, it operates the Gran Muthu, Gran Muthu Imperial, and Grand Muthu Rainbow hotels.
