Group travel to Cuba is a hot ticket

The once forbidden destination of Cuba is becoming a major player in tourism. And Friendly Planet Travel is among US government approved tour operators.

Friendly Planet has organized two educational trips, both of which include round-trip airfare from Miami via U.S. Government-licensed charter service and letters of authorization. Both trips include all ground transportation, hotel accommodations, all meals, and comprehensive programs of educational exchanges organized by a Friendly Planet representative, who will lead travelers throughout the trip.

The five-day "Discover Havana" program, priced at $2,099, "allows Americans to interact in direct and open educational exchanges with Cubans concerning, the country’s vibrant culture and rich history at some of Havana’s most historic and significant locations," according to a press release.

The eight-day Colors of Cuba program, priced at $2,799, offers a more in-depth program of educational exchanges throughout the diverse island nation, at many of its most culturally significant sites. Among these are Old Havana; Cienfuegos; and Trinidad, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

"The success we have seen with our Cuba programs is overwhelming. We are sending close to 2,000 travelers to Cuba in 2012 alone. We anticipate a double digit increase for 2013 dates as well," said Peggy Goldman, President of Friendly Planet Travel.

She responded to a series of questions from TravelMole. See below.

Question: What’s the difference between Friendly Planet Travel Cuba programs and others?

A   Answer: Unlike other operators who post land only prices and charge extra for air, Friendly Planet includes the cost of licensed, charter flights from Miami in all our tours.    

Q:  Q:What is the cost of airfare to Cuba if it is not included in tour operator’s pricing?

A: Airfare from Miami is about $450 round-trip, sometimes a little more. In travel to Cuba, because it is difficult, very bureaucratic, and regulated by both the US and Cuban governments, it’s already expensive. And because there are few agents who are licensed to legally arrange travel to Cuba, the price is basically whatever the public is willing to pay. When we entered the market, we priced our tours at what we considered very fair levels, and we discovered that those levels were significantly less than our competitors.

Q: What are the issues about not spending money in Cuba?

 A: The amount of money that US tourists are permitted (by US law) is limited. This is due to the embargo that exists. In Havana, the amount per day is about $160, and in other locations, it’s less. So, the best way to visit Cuba is to prepay all or as much of your services as you possibly can. Then, you can figure a small per diem for personal items and souvenirs. Souvenirs are limited, too. For example, no Cuban rum or cigars can be exported in your luggage, and believe me, you’ll be asked by the customs officer upon your return to Miami if you have any with you. But you can buy art, jewelry and other small items like that. These things are not part of the embargo and are legal to bring home.

Q: Any comments on whether more operators will get into Cuba?

A   A: Here and there, new licenses are being granted. However, the Cubans themselves aren’t quite ready for "prime time" in that they don’t have sufficient hotels, restaurants and other things that are necessary to run a proper tourism industry. As it is, getting hotel space has become very difficult.

 Q:  What should be expect in the future for travel to Cuba?

 A: There is no question that Cuba is going to open up. The people are waiting with bated breath for the day the country is reintegrated into the world. Translated, this means the day the embargo is lifted. While they (Cubans) view the embargo as part of the root cause of their troubles, it doesn’t stop them from being friendly, welcoming and warm to American visitors. They are amazingly resourceful and proud of their accomplishments despite draconian conditions that would challenge anyone. And despite entrenched Communist systems, you can see budding entrepreneurs on every street corner. People are selling every imaginable item in tiny shops and from living room windows. They are opening restaurants in their living rooms, moving the family back into smaller and smaller quarters as the business grows. They are converting every available spot of earth into organic gardens, to feed themselves and their neighbors and to sell the rest – for a profit. So, it looks to me, having just come back from Cuba, that the future is bright.

By David Wilkening