U.S. Tour Operators Optimistic About Cuba Travel Because They’re Even More Essential
Photo Credit: U.S. tour operators aren't being deterred by policy changes towards Cuba. Pictured are tourists riding in a convertible in Havana. Flickr.com / Marco Derksen
Skift Take
U.S. tour operators and travel agents are betting that it will be business as usual, or perhaps even better, as the new Cuba restrictions take effect and individual people-to-people visas get sidelined. But many also find it ironic that the White House announced these changes while Trump was courting leaders of Asian countries that have poor human rights records.
Tour operator and travel agents just returned to their former status as the gateways for Americans seeking to visit Cuba.
U.S. President Donald Trump's policy outline of several months ago on U.S. travel to Cuba have become reality: Americans will no longer be able to travel to Cuba without a tour group, or stay in a hotel or spend money with any business that has ties to the Cuban government and military, among other restrictions.
While those changes are likely causing confusion for many U.S. travelers who have reservations for Cuba trips or plan to visit the country, the changes give an advantageous position to tour operators and travel agents that are once again the default gateways for any American wanting to visit Cuba.
Some cruise lines, too, say the changes will make them a more favorable option for visiting the country.
Many tour operators stand to gain from these new restrictions given individual, unguided travel is no longer allowed, but many also worry the chang
