European tour operators in Cuba are optimistic about their longstanding ties in the country and are concerned about how the tourism influx from the U.S. will exacerbate a lack of available rooms. Casas will compete with hotels and new infrastructure of many types will be needed to handle the new demand.
There are still numerous challenges and restrictions for Americans who want to visit Iran. But recent progress for Europeans has created hope for a wider opening of the country to U.S. travelers.
With approval from the Cuban government in hand, Carnival Corp. will become the first cruise company in more than 50 years to operate sailings between the U.S. and Cuba. It certainly won't be the last.
We've been saying it for awhile: The Priceline Group should be renamed the Booking.com or Booking Group as its foray into Cuba highlights. The Group's lead brand gets there first although there's an option to distribute Cuba hotels through Priceline.com too.
Interest in Cuba cruises, at least among cruise line executives, is soaring. Now it's up to Cuban officials and cruise passengers to say what happens next.