First Americans in Cuba under easier travel rules

[Judi Lynn]

First Americans in Cuba under easier travel rules
'People-to-people' tourists greeted by hugs, handshakes, welcoming government
By Jeff Franks
updated 8/16/2011 8:09:30 PM ET 2011-08-17T00:09:30

HAVANA — The first group of Americans to tour Cuba under new, more liberal U.S. travel regulations have been greeted by hugs, handshakes and a welcoming Cuban government, according to a trip organizer.

The 30 travelers are pioneers in a new era of "people-to-people" exchanges the Obama administration approved in January to "enhance the free flow of information" to Cubans and over the objections of those who favor a continued hard-line against the communist government.

About 30 to 35 travel groups are believed to have obtained licenses so far under the new regulations, which reinstate rules put in place by President Bill Clinton in 1999, but revoked by his successor, President George W. Bush in 2003.

Varied reactions
The first group of travelers have been to orphanages, medical facilities, art museums, music performances and tobacco farms and have walked the streets of Old Havana, in a first taste of the forbidden fruit that Cuba has been for five decades under the U.S. trade embargo against the country.

More:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44168075/ns/travel-destination_travel/

[Lydia Leftcoast]

1. I'm going for a week in November

I'm finally able to get in on one of my church's annual trips, and I've put down some earnest money as a deposit.

[flamingdem]

2. It's good to publicize this but the pathetic aspect is that

this was happening between 1996-2003 so it's nothing new. Also, many organizations continued sending American citizens under Clinton's General License that was really so liberal 70% of Americans qualified.

What we have now is a select group of travel agencies making a living out of a cobbled together policy and Americans are as confused as ever about what their rights are as far as traveling to Cuba.

We need to simplify things and end all travel restrictions. I think some of those organizations charge way too much money and they are patronizing in terms of showing the aspects of culture deemed worthy, even though I do like the fact that most are left leaning and government supporting. The sham starts when luxury tour agencies, I forget the names, but they are working with the US government approved groups to put in just enough visits to organic farms, what have you, to justify a luxury tour staying at the Melia Cohiba - $250 and up per night etc.

What is new is the relaxation of remittance regulations so that Cubans and others can send funds to the island without worrying about huge fines. Also, more airports will implement direct flights. Right now those flights are INCREDIBLY EXPENSIVE and a few people are enriching themselves as a result. I know some of them and they are flourishing. Why pay 400-900 for a flight that should be 99-300 max?

Here's one time I'd rather see the free market decide prices even if some of the tour operators are Cuba supportive people. The Cuban people would benefit much more if this was the case.