On December 17, 2014 sweeping changes to the US policy with Cuba were announced by President Obama. They are aimed at loosening trade and travel restrictions there. In bringing an end to the embargo which has been in effect since 1961 as a Cold War Policy, a re-establishment of an embassy in Havana will be made by the U.S. in order to get travel expanded to the country for Americans.
The president of tour operator InsightCuba, Tom Popper stated that in regards to the changes, in summary, it was going to make travel to Cuba less restrictive, easier, and simpler.
Since President Obama came to office in 2009, he has relaxed policies on travel to the Caribbean island systematically. For instance, previously any American was not allowed to go there individually but could legally use a licensed provider for cultural and educational exchanges. However, the paperwork and regulations which were heavy and persistent got a lot of would-be visitors turned off. Although the announcement of December 17, 2014 did not get the requirements lifted, it made travel to the country far more accessible.
As part of the new policy and strategy, Americans will be permitted while in Cuba to make use of their debit and credit cards. This is a boon for tourists because previously cash was all that they could bring. Also providers of telecom services will now be permitted to get their infrastructure established there, which would get internet service and phone calls improved.
Cuba has been included in this blog’s list of the Wonderful Travel Destinations in 2015 and is featured in the soon-to-be-published book. Motivators for any tourist to Cuba would include the Havana Biennial which is starting in May 2015, a restaurant scene that is burgeoning, and Smithsonian Journeys, G Adventures, and InsightCuba itineraries.
Popper said that the policy change was welcome news on so many levels. He advised tourists and travelers to go no, because this was it, and this was going to live in the books of history.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for reading this post. I would appreciate your feedback. Kindly send in your comments, advice, and views. Thank you.