Havana Masterclass Planning

[El Presidente]

I have been in discussion with Toby Brocklehurst (good friend of Ken and I who operates a travel company in Cuba) for the development of a Cigar Masterclass in Havana.

Abridged version:

Arrival into Havana

Best Bars

Best Restaurants

Best Music/Nightclubs

Havana Tour

Plantation tour

Private Factory Tour

One day masterclass with top roller/blender/Sommelier (rums) in a historic location..followed by great dinner...Gato Tuerto

We believe we can wrap it up in 4 days making it ideal for our European/Canadian brethren to do it all over a 4 day weekend and either head home or extend their stay for the week. if the Embargo drops, then of course it is a no brainer for our US members.

What we are trying to do is show you the Cuba that we know, introduce you to our friends there, the things that we love.

Our question is, before we finalise it, what are the things that you would also like to do during that 4 days? If there are any specifics, let us know.

[Colt45]

I'm still waiting for the final details of the Central American motorcycle excursion.

And the Southern U.S. Harley tour.

And.......

[El Presidente]

I'm still waiting for the final details of the Central American motorcycle excursion.

And the Southern U.S. motorcycle tour.

And.......

Central American Motorcycle Excursion is my 50th birthday present to myself

So far I have Shagga, Graeme, Marty on board.

Southern US Motorcycle tour was hit by a wee global financial crisis. All of our local members run their own businesses and even now, need to stay close to the knitting.

You know...you could have joined us for Chile, Nicaragua or Amazon since then

[Colt45]

You know...you could have joined us for Chile, Nicaragua or Amazon since then

I don't know..........

Come to Cuba with Rob Ayala!

You'll be in stitches - literally! No really, a visit to the hospital is all but mandatory!

Be on intimate terms with Cuban jailers!

Strip / cavity searches on at least one leg of the trip!

Don't worry about that heavy, expensive watch - you can trade it for drinks!

Ayala travel "The Wind Beneath Your Wings"

[El Presidente]

I don't know..........

Come to Cuba with Rob Ayala!

You'll be in stitches - literally! No really, a visit to the hospital is all but mandatory!

Be on intimate terms with Cuban jailers!

Strip / cavity searches on at least one leg of the trip!

Don't worry about that heavy, expensive watch - you can trade it for drinks!

Ayala travel "The Wind Beneath Your Wings"

Cheap shot Colt....Accurate....but Cheap

[OZCUBAN]

Is it to early for any kind of pricing?

[El Presidente]

Is it to early for any kind of pricing?

Hells bells Oz!

Once we have the final itinerary, Toby will do the pricing (excluding airfares).

Logistically it is not difficult for us ...excluding the normal Cuban anomalies of transportation hiccups.

[partagasd4]

I don't have any ideas, but I'll be a customer!

[frenchkiwi]

I have been in discussion for the development of a Cigar Masterclass in Havana.

Abridged version:

Arrival into Havana

Best Bars

Best Restaurants

Best Music/Nightclubs

At least you have your priorities right for this "Cigar Masterclass"

sounds great.

[El Presidente]

At least you have your priorities right for this "Cigar Masterclass"

sounds great.

Well...if I am not having fun...I can't expect you guys to

[Colt45]

Cheap shot Colt

You're right mate........

let's hug it out.

[OZCUBAN]

Is it to early for any kind of pricing?

sorry Rob I was thinking more in terms of "bail money"

[Smooth]

I would be up for this sometime in 2011...

Sounds brilliant.

[First Lady]

Colt you don't know half of what goes on :-) trust me... lots of laughs are had with the boys... I love traveling with my boys as I call them.

It is a life time expecience you don't want to miss

Lisa

[Ryan]

Great idea Prez and Toby's just the man to set this up. One of the many really nice guys I met in Havana.

A quick architectural tour is well worth it, even though it's only four days and most members here, I'd imagine, will want to keep it mostly cigar oriented. Lunch in the first floor cafe in the Bacardi building is surreal.

A tasting/comparison between different rollers' cigars, Hamlet, La China, Reinaldo, Yolanda etc. could be fun, that could be done blind.

For many european members, four days in Cuba is tight. Fine if you live in or near Paris, London or Franfurt but getting to Havana for me, for example, was an 18 hour trip. Ten hours after leaving my house I was flying over Dublin again.

[ChanceSchmerr]

I would be up for this sometime in 2011...

Sounds brilliant.

x 2 for me!

[Colt45]

It is a life time expecience you don't want to miss

Lisa, no doubt - I'm just not sure how near Rob I'd want to be at any given time

Only slightly more seriously, as odd as it might sound, I think if I ever do make it to Havana, cigars would probably not be my highest priority.

So I'm not sure if a tour heavily based on cigars would suit me.

[FlyingFossil]

Rob as I mentioned to you before you can count me in 100% been in the mob

Now if its the Festival week even better as we spoke of ...

cant wait to get in trouble I know that i can blame Rob ..

"El me dijo que si Official !"

eh ehe he

some details and you can lock me in !

[Habanos2000]

I think if I ever do make it to Havana, cigars would probably not be my highest priority.

C45-

speaking as a fellow American, I couldn't say cigars would be #1 on my priority list if/when I ever make it to Habana, but I'd have to say they'd be at least #2. Almost like visiting Washington DC would entail it's history as #1 and current events as #2.

[jsd]

I would love to do it but probably won't be able to for at least a few years. Cigars and sightseeing. From what I have seen in pictures I think I would enjoy looking at the architecture and sights.

[ndtoronto]

Is there any kind of timeline for this trip? Next 3 months? 6 months? Year?

[El Presidente]

Is there any kind of timeline for this trip? Next 3 months? 6 months? Year?

Last quarter 2011.

The object is to run two a year. Possibly October/November and March/April

[Stalebread]

This sounds really good, Prez. Enticing.

Is the "top roller/blender/Sommelier (rums)" one person who is all three? Or is it three different people sharing the stage for the one-day masterclass?

[sje]

OK, now this is my industry of expertise and the following is my 2c.

As you know and for the benefit of the readers, i Run a small travel company (behind the scenes) that supplies the Market here with travel companies from all over the world these travel companies i represent on a contractual basis are called DMCs (DESTINATION MANAGEMENT COMPANIES). In Many ways similar to PCC without the assistance of a monopoly, (unfortunately).

So we supply the wholesale sector who in turn supply the retail sector who in turn supply the end consumer in the retail market. Usual mark up from my rates to consumer is between 30 and 40% mark ups. this is why the internet is quickly changing the traditional distribution networks as we know them. we also do "with some marketing background" product development within varying regions.

not knowing your colleagues in Cuba, i can only assume they have a full DMC operation (Destination management company) who, not only would offer your suggested programs but also everything else tourists can do (legally) in Cuba.

based on the above assumption the following needs to be kept in mind that expanding the “potential market” is important, you should Aim for both cigar and Non cigar tourists on these tours, sounds silly but it is not.

1/ A 4 day program works for Geographically closer markets, but from Australasia, the Middle east and most parts or Europe, there will be too much travel for only 4 days as already mentioned.

2/ Keep your 4 or 5 day program intact but also offer some Pre and Post tour options both Cigar and Non Cigar related, such as private Cigar stock viewings and purchasing. Custom cigar ordering etc. programs for Female partners who may want to attend/join. resort time, eastern Cuba experiences etc etc.

3/ Negotiate based on proposed and potential volume, by only having two or three tours (core tour 4 or 5 days) a year you stand the chance of better achieving volume, once you negotiate with proposed volume then pass on these saving to your potential customers, the long term effect is that you will grow a product that will be more difficult to replicate based on experience and price and not just experience.

4/ offer free time both in a group environment and free time away from the group (this is invaluable) all your potential clients will want to achieve something for themselves within the group and outside of the group (if you know what i mean) allow this to happen as all will be adults and need time alone.

5/ have a local tour leader and do not simply leave it to the ground team in Cuba (but i am sure you will do this anyway) should you need a guide i will always put my hand up. (trust me guiding is not as easy as it seems) as a balance of exercising Authority treating Adults as adults is needed.

i hope this helps, good luck with your venture, remember aim for not only cigar brothers, but possible partners also, as long as you can offer a 10 to 14 day program (with pre and post touring options) that allow for the cigar enthusiast to enjoy Cuba as well as enjoy the inner sanctum of the cigar industry. (unless some men only activity is highly on the cards) but those who come with partners are usually in bed by 1am, and singles usually 6am ;-)

I hope this helps

Spiro

[CanuckSARTech]

Last quarter 2011.

The object is to run two a year. Possibly October/November and March/April

That would sound awesome. It would give me a reason to go WITHOUT my wife!