Tour Operator Says New Travel Rules Did Not Impact Their Cuban Welcome

Combined with a September 2017 travel warning for U.S. citizens (since reduced under a new advisory system implemented this month), travel agents and travelers might have thought that the State Department’s travel to Cuba restrictions imposed in November might cause locals to be resentful.

But despite the media coverage and ensuing confusion, Cubans are just as welcoming as ever, said Chad Olin, CEO of tour operator Cuba Candela, having taken several small groups to the island just weeks after the new restrictions were imposed.

“Before the Trump administration announcement, U.S. travel to Cuba had increased 247 percent due to the irresistible appeal of the destination,” Olin told Travel Market Report. “This came at a time when media were suggesting that interest in Cuba had stalled due to the negative headlines and legal confusion.

“Ironically, those brave enough to parse through the noise have been rewarded with a more immersive and authentic experience. There are now fewer American tourists jamming the streets of Old Havana, allowing travelers to more comfortably explore the must-see spots while partaking in true cultural immersion.”

Olin captured the thoughts and comments of tour participants for Travel Market Report. (Some asked that last names not be used to protect their privacy.)

Catherine, an American traveler from Maryland who journeyed with Cuba Candela in November for a friend’s birthday celebration, stated that “Cuba is like a time capsule. The people were incredible, so warm and welcoming. I never felt unsafe on my trip. The culture is so rich and lively.”

“I cannot stop raving about my love and impression of the Cuban people and their culture,” said Amanda, a seasoned world traveler who went with Cuba Candela in November with a group of nine best friends.

Liz, a pediatric dentist who traveled with Cuba Candela and her two children for a holiday getaway in December, described the trip as “perfect in every way. We travel extensively and this was one of our favorite trips.”

Beth Jenkins, a Travel & Leisure A-List luxury travel agent specializing in Latin America traveled with Cuba Candela in early December and loved the authenticity of the destination and the warmth of the Cuban people. “I have traveled with tour operators around the world and would put the experience and service on par with any of the five-star suppliers with whom I have traveled.”

What makes up a group?
Olin reiterated some of the facts about travel to Cuba to reduce the confusion about whether individual travel is still permitted (it is), and how large a “group” has to be to meet the State Department and Treasury Department rules.

“There is a common misconception that travelers must go on a group tour. However, your ‘group’ could be one, two or 200 people. For example, Cuba Candela provides private custom journeys for couples and families, in addition to group tours.

For those going it alone, self-directed individuals can still travel legally under 12 categories, such as support for the Cuban people, family visits, educational, religious or humanitarian activities, or participation in conferences or athletic competitions.

However, each category has very specific requirements and most travelers must retain records of a full-time schedule for five years, subject to audit enforcement by the U.S. Treasury.

Unfortunately, rules for these individual categories are not clear or flexible enough for many American travelers seeking a pure leisure trip — even if culturally meaningful and aligned with the spirit of the policy — and the risk of enforcement has deterred many from bending or breaking the rules.

Additional requirements
Cuba Candela recommends that individual travelers read the U.S. Treasury rules in the federal register and note the requirements for each category. The Support for the Cuban People category, for example, mentions that (i) staying in a private home, (ii) eating in private restaurants and (iii) shopping at private businesses are compliant activities, while also stating that these activities are not enough, as travelers must engage in “additional authorized Support for the Cuban People activities” to fulfill the requirement for a “full-time schedule.”

The requirements for “additional activities” and a “full-time schedule” have confused travelers, and the burden of retaining records for five years, along with the risk of a compliance audit, have put the brakes on otherwise adventurous self-directed travelers.

Olin, who travels to Cuba regularly, said that long-term, the elimination of individual people-to-people licenses could hurt the growth in locally owned enterprises.