eTN Lead Story

Obama’s ‘limited’ Cuban policy

By Hazel Heyer, eTN Staff Writer

At the Summit of the Americas held in Trinidad and Tobago, US President Barack Obama directed his administration to allow unlimited travel and money transfers by Cuban Americans to family in Cuba. About 1.5 million Americans have relatives on the island nation that turned to communist rule in 1959 when Fidel Castro seized control. Obama’s move finally cancels the visitation limit imposed by President Bush in 2004, and predecessors, of a single two-week trip every three years for reunions with immediate family. He has also pledged bilateral negotiations without preconditions in which travel is likely to be an early issue.

However, the privilege is limited. Only Cuban-Americans will be allowed to travel.

The sector catering to Cuban travel industry showed mixed reactions while the administration has not made any concrete steps towards addressing an explicit opinion (expressed during election campaigns) on restoring the right to travel to Cuba for all US citizens. Last year, the AP/Ipsos poll revealed 40 percent of Americans want to vacation in Cuba. ASTA’s testimony to the International Trade Commission predicted that within two years after the restrictions end, there will be an increase of 1,798,000 visits by Americans. On the third year, ASTA estimates about 3 million visitors.

Until now, the move has had no impact to travel agent business. “We’re happy but not happy enough,” said Ronen Paldi, president of Ya’lla Tours USA, an operator specialized in Cuba tours.

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