TripAdvisor granted licence for Cuba bookings

TripAdvisor is among the first US travel companies to gain permission to sell travel-related services to travellers from around the world booking trips to Cuba. The licence granted by the US treasury department’s office of foreign assets control permits TripAdvisor to promote educational and cultural engagement between global travellers and the Cuban people. The permit … Continue reading TripAdvisor granted licence for Cuba bookings

TripAdvisor is among the first US travel companies to gain permission to sell travel-related services to travellers from around the world booking trips to Cuba.

The licence granted by the US treasury department’s office of foreign assets control permits TripAdvisor to promote educational and cultural engagement between global travellers and the Cuban people.

The permit also eases many prior commercial restrictions regarding travel to the country from the US.

TripAdvisor expects to begin cultural travel-related sales to Cuba within the next few months.

Company president and chief executive Stephen Kaufer said: “TripAdvisor believes that travel has the power to bring people together, facilitates understanding and appreciation of new cultures, and makes us a more enlightened people.

“Cuba continues to be one of the only countries in the world where the US imposes significant travel restrictions.

“We applaud President Obama’s policies to ease these restrictions and build relations with our island neighbour just 90 miles south of Florida.

“TripAdvisor looks forward to helping travellers all over the world discover Cuba’s vibrant history, people and culture as we begin the important work to make these trips possible.”

The move follows a number of US airlines being granted rights to serve Cuba and Carnival Corporation social impact brand Fathom starting cruises from Miami to Havana in May.