The Islazul branch in Santiago de Cuba has initiated a bidding process for various economic players to manage, through leasing, partnership, or consignment, a range of bars, restaurants, cafés, terraces, and more within several of its tourist facilities across the province.
On Monday, Islazul Santiago de Cuba announced the call to action, encouraging "diverse economic actors" to submit proposals for the management of gastronomic, recreational, and lodging spaces.
The invitation covers ten facilities, including the Costa Morena and Balcón del Caribe hotels, where only "lease" is mentioned without specifying the exact premises or areas available for bid.
For the remaining venues, Islazul provided specifics regarding the spaces open for management:
- Hotel Las Américas: Bucanero Restaurant, Tricontinental Cabaret, and Compay Café.
- Rancho Club: cabaret-restaurant, bar, and café.
- Hotel Gran Piedra: restaurant, grill, and bar.
- Hotel Deportivo: terrace, bar, and restaurant.
- Hotel Perla: bar.
- Hotel Rex: terrace.
- Hotel Libertad: terrace and bar.
- Villa San Juan: terrace, poolside bar-café, and restaurant.
The announcement does not clarify which type of economic actor can bid for each space nor does it specify financial terms such as leasing fees, participation percentages, or contract durations.
Applicants must submit a business project including a technical plan and detailed economic proposal, along with full name, phone number, and contact details of the applicant.
The deadline for submitting offers is October 1 at 10:00 a.m.
This new bidding process by Islazul highlights the extent to which the state-run tourism sector is seeking ways to sustain businesses that are increasingly challenging to operate directly.
Rather than an isolated event, this process is part of a broader trend of public companies looking for external parties capable of managing venues, services, and sales points.
Just this past weekend, Palmares put cafés and sales points in various Havana municipalities up for bid, marking a new opening of state-run gastronomic spaces to other economic actors.
In July, Cimex initiated a bidding process to lease 12 commercial establishments in Sancti Spíritus, including cafés, sales points, and a warehouse.
This approach has been replicated in other provinces. In August, Tiendas Caribe offered private workers, SMEs, and cooperatives access to twenty kiosks and venues in Villa Clara.
In the same month, Cienfuegos decided to tender dozens of meat product establishments to be managed by producers and other non-state actors.
Understanding Islazul's Bidding Process
What types of spaces are available for bidding through Islazul?
Islazul is offering bars, restaurants, cafés, terraces, and more within several of its tourist facilities for economic actors to manage.
Who can participate in the bidding process?
The process is open to various economic actors, although the specific types of entities that can bid are not detailed in the announcement.
What is required to submit a bid?
Applicants must include a business project with a technical plan and a detailed economic proposal, along with their full name, phone number, and contact details.