ASTA decries Trump’s Cuba travel roll back
The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) has reacted with dismay over President Trump’s changes to regulations over trade and travel to Cuba.
It says the growth in business for U.S. travel agencies, tour operators, hotel companies and other tourism operators is now at risk, while there will be uncertainty for the industry while new Treasury and Commerce Department regulations are being worked out.
While less severe than many people feared, independent tourism to Cuba for Americans will be halted with travelers required to book via designated people-to-people tour operators.
This is likely to affect scheduled airline services most.
"ASTA is disappointed with the Trump Administration’s announcement that it plans to turn back the clock on expanded travel and trade between the U.S. and Cuba. For our members, much will depend on the details of new Treasury and Commerce Department regulations coming in the next few months, and ASTA plans to fully participate in that process," a ASTA statement said.
"While challenges remain in terms of Cuba’s readiness for large volumes of American travelers, the past few years have seen a growth in business for U.S. travel agencies, tour operators, airlines, cruise lines, hotel and other travel companies. That progress is now at risk."
"ASTA continues to believe that the American people are the best ambassadors of U.S. values abroad, and should be allowed to freely travel to any destination they wish without restriction from their own government. Rather than shutting the door to this market 90 miles off our shores, we call on policymakers to enact legislation to do away with the statutory Cuba travel ban once and for all."
Cruise operators appear to be unscathed by the directive but may need to change shore excursion policy.
Up until now individual land tours were allowed.
Also, the new rules prohibit doing business with affiliates of the Cuban Military, which has interests in numerous hotels, transportation and tourism businesses across the island.
Still, the cruise industry remains upbeat.
"Royal Caribbean is pleased there is no impact to any of our cruises to Cuba as announced in the new U.S. policy toward Cuba today. Our guests are already enjoying curated people-to-people experiences under the approved categories of travel. We will continue to review the full and exact scope of the policy changes and any updated regulations during the implementation period which may take several months," Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd said in a statement.
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