The 21st century for the conservation of the built heritage, in addition to consider activities of identification, in value, rescue and new visions in the intervention brings with it other references, other needs; and therefore other challenges.

If we also consider the importance of the development of tourism and its vision - City theme becomes occupation for professionals who have the Commission carry out the society with their paradigms and realities.

TOPICS

• Special plans of City tourism within the urban and territorial management plans.
• Tourism and city. Challenges and alternatives in the exploitation and conservation of the heritage values.
• Potential of heritage to implement the city's tourism.
• Infrastructure outside the urban historic centres.
• Risks and vulnerabilities in the tourism of cities with heritage values from environmental visions: e.g. pollution of air, noise, waste, and others.

PARTICIPATION

Modalities to be developed in the event

• Keynote lectures
• Forums
• Round tables
• Panels
• Exhibitions and posters  

10 OCTOBER 2013

Morning Session

10:00-12:00 WCCE Executive Committee
HOTEL LAS AMERICAS MEETING ROOM

12:00-14:00 WCCE Standing Committees
HOTEL LAS AMERICAS MEETING ROOM

12:00-14:00 CECPC Secretariat Meeting
HOTEL LAS AMERICAS VIP MEETING ROOM

14:00-16:00 LUNCH

Noon Session

16:30-19:30 Workshop DOING BUSINESS IN CUBA

HOTEL LAS AMERICAS MEETING ROOM

Speakers:

• MSc. Lic. Carmen Rodríguez Avila. Cuba Chamber of Commerce Director. Santiago de Cuba Branch
• Ministry of Construction Delegates
• Ministry of Tourism
• Ministry of Education
• Land Planning Institute
• National Seismic Research Centre
• Havanatur / Compay Tiago

Night Session

21:00 h Free Time

11 OCTOBER 2013

Morning Session

Keynote Speaker Session

08:30 Registration
HOTEL MELIA SANTIAGO

09:00 Welcome address - MSc Arc. Professor César Garrido Rodríguez, Cuba - President, Congress Organizing Committee

09:45 Keynote Speech - MSc. Arq. Omar López Rodríguez, Santiago de Cuba's Heritage Office Director

11:00-110:30 COFFEE BREAK

11:30 Keynote Speech - Pending confirmation, Ministry of Tourism, Cuba

12:00 Refitting ¿Tourism or citizen oriented? - Phd Arch. Patricia Rodríguez Alomá, Havana's Master Plan Director

12:45 Urban Planning, Tourism and Sustainability - Professor Juan Antonio Santamera Sanchez, Spain, President, Colegio de Ingenieros de Caminos, Canales y Puertos

13:30-15:00 LUNCH – LA MAISON

Noon Session

15:00-18:00 8th WCCE General Assembly
HALL A

15:00-18:00 Congress sessions
HALL B & C

18:00 – 20:00 Congress Welcome Cocktail

Night Session

20:00 – 21:00 City Tour

21:00 +          WCCE Gala Dinner

12 OCTOBER 2013

Morning Session

09:00 Cienfuegos Heritage City Centre - Arq. Irán Millán,  Cienfuegos Cuba's Heritage Office Director

09:45 City Tourism potential. Havana's Case Study - Phd. Arq. Gina Rey

10:30 Seismic Protection of Cultural Heritage - Professor Dr. Tügrul Tankut, Turkey, Structural Engineering Professor, Middle East Technical University, Turkey

11:30-12:00 COFFEE BREAK

12:00 Land Planning Institute
HALL A

12:00 National Seismic Research Centre
HALL B

12:30 Santiago's Tourism  Especial Plan Land Planning Institute - Regional Land Planning Authority, Santiago
HALL A

12:30 Keynote Speech - Phd. Professor Francisco Calderín, Oriente University, Civil Engineering Department
HALL B

10:30 -14:00 CECPC Executive Board Meeting
HALL C

14:00-15:00 LUNCH

Noon Session

15:30-18:00 Panel Working Sessions - HALLS A, B & C

15:30 Integration between Cities and its Rivers: a Must - ENG Tomás A. Sancho Marco, President, WCCE
HALL A

15:30 Santiago de Cuba's Heritage City Centre Master Plan - Pending confirmation
HALL B

15:30 Cruiser Tourism in Old Havana City Centre: Impact Assessment - Arch. Rita María Hernández, Arch Eugenio Casanovas & Eng. Francisco de la Nuez - Havana's Master Planning Office
HALL C

18:00-18:30 Conclusions & Closing Ceremony

19.30-21:00 Closing Snack. Hotel Las Américas.

Night Session

21:00 h + Free time

13 OCTOBER 2013

Morning Session

09:00 -14:00h Congress Technical Visits

14:00-15:00 LUNCH

Noon Session

15:00h + Free time

ABOUT CUBA

Cuba covers an area of 110 992 km ². It is a long narrow island, looking like alligator, which amounts to 1 200 km long. Its widest part is 210 kilometres and the narrowest 31 kilometres.

It is located in the westernmost part of the Caribbean Basin, just outside the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico. This is long and narrow land disposed horizontally between the two Americas at the entrance of Gulf of Mexico in the north-western Caribbean Sea, a strategic position which once made him a very coveted. The Cuban archipelago is made up of over 4 000 cays and islands.

On a map of the region, Cuba is easily recognized by their size, because it is the largest of the Antilles and also because of its shape resembling a crocodile. Closest territories are: the East, Haiti (77 km) west, Yucatan, Mexico (210 km) north Florida, USA (180 km) and south, Jamaica (140 km).

The meaning of the word Cuba might be land, the Aboriginal meaning of this word, belonging to the language of the Taíno culture araguaco, according to criteria released by the historiography. Another meaning could be attributed recently dome, according to new evidence submitted by current studies that attribute a Hispanic-origin to the name of the Greater Antilles.

The essential thing in your suitcase

Light clothing, clear and comfortable, shoes, eyewear and swimwear. Something more formal for the evenings, insect repellent, shaving cream or sunscreen. If you travel between January and February, do not forget a jacket.

Currencies and Payment

The official currency is the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC). 1 CUC = 1.33 € / 1 CUC =1 US $. Further exchange rates are available at http://coinmill.com/CUC_EUR.html. Prices in all the tourist services are set at CUC, so it is highly recommended to change currency on arrival to the airport. Change is available in banks and hotels. In major cities and towns are Casas de Cambio (CADECA) to convert currencies and CUC Pesos. Credit cards accepted include Cabal, Transcard, Visa and MasterCard who have not been issued by U.S. banks or their subsidiaries. Registration fees will not be paid in CUC but on € or US $.

Immigration Regulations

All visitors must hold a valid passport and the corresponding visa or tourist card, except in cases of countries with which Cuba has visa exemption agreements. Tourist Card, both individual and groups, can be requested at the Cuban consular representatives, travel agencies and airline offices.

Airport tax

Departure tax of airports in Cuba is 25.00 Cuban convertible pesos (CUC). / 25 US $ / 19 €

Customs regulations

Customs regulations are tax exempt personal items, 2 bottles of liquor, 1 carton of cigarettes and up to 10 kg of drugs. Can import goods worth of $ 250.00 USD; of this amount, 50.00 USD are exempt from payment and the remaining 200.00 USD must be paid a tariff of 100%. 

Not allowed:

• Narcotics. Prohibition against possession, trafficking, consumption and sale of drugs and narcotics.
• Pornography. The introduction of any pornographic material.
• Blood Products.
• Mobile and wireless microphones.
• Electric Households Appliances.
• Firearms, except those duly authorized hunting.
• Import or export of Cuban pesos.

The cash input is unlimited. To re-export an amount equal to or greater than 5 000.00 USD is required to submit the relevant customs declaration.

On departure Cuba authorized the free export of 23 cigars individually or in containers. For most quantity, the traveller must submit to Customs a copy of the invoice for the purchase. The cigars must be in original packaging, with the official seal. To remove works of art and antiques must request permission from the National Registry of Cultural Property Direction of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage. The payment for excess baggage at the point of origin does not relieve the traveller to pay, on arrival to Cuba, the appropriate fee based on the value of the items.

Health Regulations

Only required to present the International Certificate of Vaccination for travellers from countries where yellow fever and cholera are endemic or have been declared infected areas by WHO. There are restrictions on products of animal or vegetable.

Electric current

110V, 60 Hz plugs with flat prongs. There are in Cuba some hotels and other facilities where is possible to use 220V.

ABOUT SANTIAGO

Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city of Cuba and capital city of Santiago de Cuba Province in the south-eastern area of the island, some 540 miles (870 km) south-east of the Cuban capital of Havana.

The municipality extends over 1,023.8 square kilometers (395.3 sq mi),[2] and contains the communities of El Caney, Guilera, Antonio Maceo, Bravo, Castillo Duany, Leyte Vidal and Moncada.

Historically Santiago de Cuba has long been the second most important city on the island after Havana, and still remains the second largest. It is on a bay connected to the Caribbean Sea and is an important sea port. In 2004 the city of Santiago de Cuba had a population of about 494,337 people.

History

Santiago de Cuba was founded by Spanish conquistador Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar on June 28, 1514. In 1516 the settlement was destroyed by fire, and was immediately rebuilt. This was the starting point of the expeditions led by Juan de Grijalba and Hernán Cortés to the coasts of Mexico in 1518, and in 1538 by Hernando de Soto's expedition to Florida. The first cathedral was built in the city in 1528. From 1522 until 1589 Santiago was the capital of the Spanish colony of Cuba.

Role in the Cuban Revolution

Santiago was also the home of the revolutionary hero, Frank País. On July 26, 1953, the Cuban Revolution began with an ill-prepared armed attack on the Moncada Barracks by a small contingent of rebels led by Fidel Castro. Shortly after this disastrous incident, País began talking with students and young working people informally, drawing around him what became an extremely effective urban revolutionary alliance. This developed into highly organized cells coordinating a large scale urban resistance that became instrumental in the success of the Cuban Revolution.

Culture

Santiago de Cuba was the hometown of poet José María Heredia. It houses a museum that displays the extensive art collection of the Bacardí family.

Santiago de Cuba is well known for its cultural life. Some of Cuba's most famous musicians, including Compay Segundo, Ibrahim Ferrer and Eliades Ochoa (all of whom participated in the Buena Vista Social Club) and trova composer Ñico Saquito (Benito Antonio Fernández Ortiz) were born in the city or in one of the villages surrounding it. They have contributed to the typical, country-like music of the city.

Furthermore, Santiago de Cuba is well known for its traditional dances, most notably son, from which salsa has been derived, and guaguancó, which is accompanied by percussion music only. The city is also well known for its Carnival, which is strangely enough celebrated in July. During Carnival, traditional conga music is played in the streets on a traditional pentatonic trumpet, called the trompeta china.

A relatively high number of residents of the city adhere to Afro-Cuban religions, most notably santería. The city hosts an important community of descendants from Haitian immigrants from the 19th century. Some aspects of the religious "vodún" heritage of the city can be traced back to this community.

In the city there are multiple architectural styles, from Baroque to neoclassical. Of special interest are the wooded parks, the steep streets, colonial buildings with huge windows and crowded balconies. Preserved historical treasures include the first home in the Americas, the first cathedral in Cuba, the first copper mine opened in the Americas and the first Cuban museum.

World Heritage

The local citadel of San Pedro de la Roca is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as "the most complete, best-preserved example of Spanish-American military architecture, based on Italian and Renaissance design principles". The Baconao Park was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere Reserve List in 1987.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

The Tourist Visa or Tourist Card is only for purposes of tourism to Cuba.  It is valid for one single entrance into national territory for a 30-day trip and can be extended for an additional 30 days at the office in the hotel where one has accommodations or with the immigration authority. 

Minors must have their own Tourist Card even if they are travelling under their parents’ passport(s).

To obtain this visa in person at the Consulate, these documents are needed:

• Valid Passport
• Plane Ticket with entry and return dates
• Payment of the Consular fee for this service

These documents are needed to obtain this visa by mail:

• Legible photocopy of valid Passport
• Legible photocopy of plane ticket with entry and return dates
• Payment of the Consular fee for this service
• Stamped self-addressed envelope for the visa to be sent back

NOTE: If the application is made by mail or via a third party, an extra consular fee will be charged for the pertinent Consular service. 

 All payments must be made in cash or by a bank certified cheque.  All cash sent by mail will be refused and returned at the risk of the applicant.

Further information regarding visa acquisition procedures can be obtained in 

http://www.cubadiplomatica.cu/en/Home.aspx

FLYING TO SANTIAGO

Here are the following routes to get to Santiago de Cuba

Airline & Flight: Cubana de Aviación CU471 eDuración:9:50Transoceanic attendants are encouraged to travel directly to Santiago de Cuba avoiding connections at Havana Airport. A large delegation will travel on October 8th from Barajas Airport in the following flight: 

Departure: 17:00Madrid, España - Barajas, terminal 1

Arrival: 20:50Santiago, Cuba - Antonio Maceo

Airplane:Ilyushin IL-96

ARRIVAL AND TRAVEL TO THE HOTEL

Airport transfers are available on request for 10 €/person. 

The Meliá Santiago de Cuba hotel is located in the heart of the most Caribbean city of Isla Grande, in one of the most elegant areas of Santiago de Cuba. Right on the busy Avenida de las Americas, short distance from the city’s sights and attractions, such as Tropicana Santiago, San Pedro de la Roca del Morro castle and others.

Other accommodation options

HOTEL: Las Américas, Casagranda y San Juan, Villa Gaviota
Contact: Lic. Rafael Abalos This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

HOSTELS: Visión, La Confronta y La Torre
Contact: Lic. César Garrido Chadez. Director Comercial. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

PLEASE Carboncopy any request to WCCE Secretariat This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

9 OCTOBER 2013

Pending hour  Basílica Menor Santuario Nacional de la Virgen del Cobre

11 OCTOBER 2013

15:30 -18:00 City Tour -Arch. Carmen Muñoz Castillo

18:00 – 20:00 Congress Welcome Cocktail

21:00 -22:00 Night City Tour

22:00 +  WCCE Gala Dinner 

12 OCTOBER 2013

19:30 – 20:30 Closing ceremony

13 OCTOBER 2013

9:30 -15:00 San Pedro de la Roca Castle Visit

Further details will be delivered on short notice. Visits are to be offered to several heritage sites like the following:

San Pedro de la Roca Castle

The Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca (also known by the less formal title of Castillo del Morro or as San Pedro de la Roca Castle) is a fortress on the coast of the Cuban city of Santiago de Cuba. About 6 miles (10 km) southwest of the city centre, it overlooks the bay.

Basílica Menor Santuario de la Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre

The National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre is one of the most revered religious sites for the Cuban people as it is home to the Patroness of Cuba. Located in El Cobre, a town in the eastern province of Santiago de Cuba, on the promontory of Santiago del Prado, has three naves, with a symmetrical facade. 

"Nuestra Señora de la Asunción" Cathedral 

The Cathedral and Church "Nuestra Señora de la Asunción", arises at the beginning of the XVI century in the village of Baracoa once founded the same one. This Church for that time parochial was known with the name of La Iglesia Parroquial de la Villa de Baracoa.

After Diego Velázquez requested the creation in Cuba of a Bishopric, it was granted in 1516, being ordered that the same one resided in Baracoa. At the same time the Parochial Church existent in the village was high to the range of Cathedral Church, with the name of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción.

Registration to the Congress is compulsory to WCCE General Assembly attendees. WCCE activities are included in the following registration fees. Payment is to be delivered IN CASH (€ or $, not CUC) on arrival to the hotel on the WCCE registration booth.

TOURISM & CITY CONGRESS

 Delegate rates INCLUDE:

• Admission to all Congress sessions and ceremonies.
•  Congress documents, abstracts book and pack
•  Admission to all WCCE seminars, sessions.
•  General Assembly documents
•  Coffee Breaks
• Lunches
•  Congress Welcome Cocktail
• Congress City Tour
• WCCE Gala dinner

 Accompanying person's rates INCLUDE:

•  Congress Welcome Cocktail
•  WCCE Gala dinner
• Congress City Tour
• Any lunches referred to the program