“Extensive List of Restricted Locations in Cuba for Americans Released by U.S.”

Cuba tour operators are working quickly to reassure Americans that they can still legally travel to Cuba, despite the Trump administration’s release of a long list of businesses with which U.S. citizens are no longer allowed to do business. Starting November 9th, Americans must avoid a large number of hotels, shops, and tour companies that have been determined to be at least partially owned by the Cuban military. However, according to Collin Laverty, president of Cuba Educational Travel, there are still many ways for Americans to legally visit Cuba, including commercial flights, cruise ships, and reputable tour providers. Laverty says that despite the restrictions, there are still countless opportunities for Americans to visit the island legally through fully compliant means. The State Department’s list of prohibited businesses includes a total of 84 hotels, with 27 in Havana alone. Notably, the Four Points by Sheraton, the first U.S.-branded hotel to operate in Cuba since the country’s revolution in 1959, was not included on the list. Other popular hotels among Americans, such as the Hotel Saratoga, Hotel Nacional, and Iberostar Parque Central, were also not on the list. However, several of Spain-based Iberostar’s hotels outside of Havana were listed. The prohibited businesses are either owned or affiliated with military-run conglomerates that control most of Cuba’s economy, including the Gaviota tourism group, Compania Turistica Habaguanex, and Gaesa, Cuba’s Armed Forces Business Enterprises Group. Interestingly, the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski, which bills itself as Cuba’s first real luxury hotel, and the Four Points by Sheraton are both owned by Gaviota, but only the Kempinski was included on the list. The Marriott-owned Hotel Inglaterra in Havana, set to reopen as part of the Luxury Collection, is also owned by Gaviota. A Marriott spokeswoman said they are reviewing the new regulations to determine any potential impacts on their existing contracts and business relationships. Iberostar stated that they will continue to monitor any changes closely and make adjustments as needed. Tom Popper, president of InsightCuba, said that the new regulations do not significantly change the current policy, and provide much-needed clarity in the marketplace. He added that the new restrictions were not as extensive as predicted, with the majority of hotels used by Americans not being included on the list. He concluded that Cuba remains a legal, safe, and welcoming destination for Americans. The new regulations also include the expected return of restrictions on individual people-to-people travel, with exemptions for those who made travel plans prior to June 16th. The regulations also specify that existing commercial engagements will continue to be authorized. Flights and cruises to Cuba are still exempt from the restrictions. Major cruise lines, such as Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, and Norwegian Cruise Line, stated that they are studying the new rules but do not believe their operations will be significantly impacted. Norwegian said that all of their cruises and shore excursions in Cuba are in compliance with regulations set forth by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Bruce Nierenberg, CEO of Victory Cruise Lines, believes the new rules actually favor cruise lines. John Kavulich, president of the U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council, predicts the new restrictions will further decrease demand for Cuba travel, which has reportedly been falling since Trump’s June announcement. Travel groups and executives have criticized the regulations, with ASTA’s executive vice president for advocacy stating that the government should not be telling Americans where they can and cannot travel. Travel executives also believe that the rules will harm, rather than help, the Cuban people and reflect an unbalanced foreign policy. Laverty of Cuba Educational Travel stated that the restrictions are coming at a bad time, as they are hurting Cuba’s private sector which has grown through interaction with American travelers and companies. He added that the regulations show the administration’s hypocrisy and political pandering towards Cuba, especially when compared to their interactions with communist leaders in China and Vietnam.