ASTA Reacts to New Cuba Restrictions

The American Society of Travel Advisors is speaking out against the Trump Administration’s latest restrictions on travel to Cuba, banning cruise ships and a the popular educational travel category. 

“Given the recent growth in legal U.S. travel to Cuba, ASTA is concerned about the potential for disruption from these policy changes, especially as they relates to the operations of our cruise line, airline and hotel partners on the island,” ASTA said in a statement.

“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. While today is a setback, we will continue to advocate toward Cuba travel freedom and look forward to the day it becomes reality.”

Previously, ASTA expressed disappointment when the administrations announced last month that it planned to further restrict travel and trade between the U.S. and Cuba, as well as its activation of Title III of the 1996 Helms-Burton Act, which allows U.S. nationals to file suits in U.S. courts against entities trafficking in confiscated property in Cuba.

ASTA said it is reviewing the details of new Treasury and Commerce Department regulations announced today and will issue guidance to members soon.