The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA), which represents 32 national hotel associations across the region, has welcomed the news that the United States will soon be easing travel restrictions on Americans visiting Cuba that have been in place for 54 years."The freedom to travel is a mantra carried by all of us in the travel and hospitality industry and is seen as a path to better understanding and peace between nations," said Jeffrey S Vasser, director general of CHTA.
Cuba has long been a major destination in the Caribbean for Europeans and Canadians and in the past its local hotel association had been an active member in CHTA."Over the years there has been much discussion about what the impact will be if and when Cuba is open to US visitors," said Emil Lee, president of CHTA.
"CHTA recognises that there will be challenges for some of our members in competing with Cuba, which basically becomes a new-found destination for American vacationer.