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Paint Cuba Responsible Travel Policy


We are committed to responsible travel and tourism and work to promote it in a range of ways. We recognise that those travelling with us to Cuba can benefit greatly from the experience and can, at the same time, contribute to Cuba’s economy. But we also recognise that the impact of tourism can be negative and that it is possible for local people to be exploited and their environment damaged.

We aim to make a positive impact by ensuring that the people who work with us are paid a fair wage. We employ experienced and qualified Cuban artists, guides, interpreters and drivers who have an in-depth knowledge of the country. The hotels that we use are owned by the Cuban government (unlike some of the hotel chains which are joint-ventures between Cuba and other countries) and provide employment for local people. All of the profits made by these hotels remain in Cuba, contributing to the development of the economy.

We encourage the purchase of locally produced goods in preference to imported ones, such as local beers, spirits and soft drinks. A visit to a local market in Havana at the beginning of the tour enables clients to purchase hats, sandals and other items they are likely to need during their stay as well as gifts which they may wish to take home with them.

Our groups are small, with a maximum of twelve, in order to minimise our impact on the local environment and increase the quality time spent in contact with local people and surroundings. We encourage clients to learn about and respect the customs and culture of the people of Cuba so that we do not offend local people but also because this will enhance our experience there. We achieve this by providing a suggested reading list and newsletters prior to departure as well as during the telephone conversations we have with each of our clients in preparation for their painting course.

We support the local Primary school in Vinales and our groups are offered the opportunity to participate in the Art Materials for Schools project based there by making a visit or a donation. We are in discussion with Jesus Gastell, the artist-in-residence on our November tour, about the possibility of supporting the community arts project he works with in Pinar del Rio. We ensure that anyone travelling on one of our tours receives copies of our Responsible Travel Policy and Advice for Responsible Travel, prior to departure.



		Advice for Responsible Travel

	•	Enhance your enjoyment of the trip by learning about Cuba, its history, culture and people before you leave
	•	Try to learn a few words of Spanish so that you are able to greet local people, thank them and say goodbye. Meeting and talking to local people will add to your enjoyment of the visit
	•	Remember to ask before taking someones photograph, they are not part of the landscape and it could be that they do not want their picture taken
	•	Respect the laws of Cuba
	•	Try to put money into the local economy and into the hands of local people by buying locally produced goods such as local beer and spirit rather than imported brands, locally produced food and locally made clothes such as hats and sandals which can be bought at street markets.
	•	Pay a fair price for goods and services you buy. Remember that haggling the price down to an unfair level may mean you have gained at the expense of someone much poorer than you.
	•	Many people in Cuba rely on tips and it is an accepted part of the economy. Reward good service with the appropriate tip, as suggested by your tour leader.
	•	Ensure that all waste products from your painting sessions are safely disposed of so as not to damage the local environment.
	•	Following your return, consider contributing to the Art Materials for Schools project based in Pinar del Rio.