Simons Chase 
Buried deep in the bowels of the U.S. legislation against Cuba (collectively referred to as the “embargo”), there is a tiny line item that restricts Western development finance institutions from doing business in Cuba. Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (Libertad) Act of 1996 – also known as the Helms-Burton Act – Sec. 104. “United States … Read more
The détente between Cuba and the U.S. is less than two years old, and the impact for Cuba’s tourism industry has already been big. In January of this year, U.S. travelers to Cuba totaled 43,200, a 125% increase compared to the same month in 2016, according to Cuba government statistics. From January to June 2016, … Read more
Recent media attention about growing pains in Cuba’s tourism sector misses the nuance about the real costs of traveling to Cuba and the important impact that travel is having on Cubans themselves. For travelers, lower costs are making the island nation more appealing – plus the ways to create great experiences and make memories are … Read more
According to Martín Proenza, the founder of the web-based taxi platform, YoTeLlevo, your taxi driver makes the difference in Cuba. With a surge in travelers to Cuba in recent years, it’s become more important to arrange transportation. But for travelers, getting around Havana’s 281 square miles can be a challenge as public transportation is limited … Read more
What could be better than a new and simple way to buy and sell items locally in Cuba using only mobile devices? With Cuba’s economy still heavily dependent on the central government for supplies and distribution networks, finding products and services can be difficult especially when inventories are inconsistent and fragmented. Merkat is an app … Read more
Amid the hand wringing over exactly how Cuba and the U.S. can annul a 56-year-old divorce, some magic has been happening between an island nation that punches above its weight in many arenas and a U.S.-based room rental platform with some high concept ideas about how to improve humanity. A closer look at Airbnb’s success … Read more
It is no surprise that there is a rapid increase in Americans traveling to Cuba. Authoritative rankings are pouring in and they consistently rave about Cuba’s unique culture, architecture, art, music, rum, cigars, beaches and more. For example, in January 2017, U.S. travelers to Cuba totaled 43,200, a 125% increase compared to the same month … Read more
Judging by recent media reports, changes to some airlines’ schedules imply failure for Cuba’s future as a major destination for American travelers. The truth is that the number of Americans going to Cuba is rising rapidly despite confusion over how to legally go there and despite relatively high prices. Cuba is the only country in … Read more
Recent media reports have reached premature conclusions that adjustments in Cuba’s tourism sector are a sign of failure for the island nation’s future as a major travel destination for Americans. What’s wrong with this conclusion is that it misses a nuanced understanding of the forces at work in Cuba and also the narrowness of the … Read more
By the turn of the century in 1900, four out five American men smoked cigars. Cigar box design became an important way to differentiate among the multitude of brands on display in stores around the country. The cigar business was a large industry, and factories employed thousands of people before mechanized manufacturing of cigars became … Read more
