The Cuban Art Factory (FAC), an interdisciplinary cultural hub located in Havana's Vedado district, has been awarded the Caribbean Regional Prize in the Art and Culture category at the sixth annual World Luxury Travel Awards (WLTA) 2026. This achievement is confirmed by the official results archive released by the organization.
This regional accolade is recorded in the official list under the details: country Cuba, Caribbean region, category Art & Culture Experience.
The recognition comes during a challenging period for the venue, which announced a temporary closure in June 2026 for restructuring, without specifying a reopening date, although it has stated that special events will continue.
The sixth edition of the WLTA hosted its gala at two locations: the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel on October 17 and the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok on October 24. However, it remains unclear at which of these events the award was specifically presented to the FAC.
Founded by Cuban musician X Alfonso and opened in February 2014, the FAC occupies a former oil factory in Vedado, transforming it into one of the most vibrant creative spaces in the region.
The official WLTA profile describes the venue as a pioneering interdisciplinary cultural center in Havana, turning an old oil factory into one of the world's most dynamic creative spaces. It encompasses music, visual arts, cinema, dance, theater, design, fashion, gastronomy, and educational workshops under one roof.
Among its previous accolades, the FAC was included by Time magazine in its list of the World's 100 Greatest Places in 2019, a recognition that X Alfonso then described as "unimaginable" for the team. TripAdvisor also ranked it among the top 10% of attractions worldwide in 2020.
The WLTA profile concludes that the Cuban Art Factory "thrives as a catalyst of creativity, inclusion, and transformation, offering an unforgettable art and culture experience in Havana."
In addition to the Cuban Art Factory, other businesses and establishments related to Cuba were honored at the World Luxury Travel Awards 2026.
Big Planet Adventures received a Caribbean regional award as a destination management company, while Eventos de Oro garnered two awards: a national one as a bespoke event organizer and another regional one as a luxury wedding planner.
On a national level, Cuba for Travel was recognized in the inbound tour operator category; Taxistas Cuba, for its corporate transfer services and private tours; and Excursión de Buceo a Varadero, in the categories of diving center and diving experience.
Despite the ongoing tourism crisis in Cuba, the nation continues to garner international accolades. In 2025, the island was named the Best Cultural Destination in the Caribbean at the World Travel Awards for the fifth consecutive year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuban Art Factory and World Luxury Travel Awards
What is the Cuban Art Factory?
The Cuban Art Factory is an interdisciplinary cultural center in Havana, founded by musician X Alfonso. It transforms a former oil factory into a vibrant space for music, visual arts, cinema, dance, theater, and more.
What award did the Cuban Art Factory win at the World Luxury Travel Awards 2026?
The Cuban Art Factory won the Caribbean Regional Prize in the Art and Culture category at the World Luxury Travel Awards 2026.
Who else was recognized at the World Luxury Travel Awards 2026 related to Cuba?
Other recognized entities include Big Planet Adventures, Eventos de Oro, Cuba for Travel, Taxistas Cuba, and Excursión de Buceo a Varadero, each in different categories.
Has Cuba won other international awards in the tourism sector?
Yes, Cuba was named the Best Cultural Destination in the Caribbean at the World Travel Awards for five consecutive years, including 2025.