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
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
Cuba is the only country in the world where Americans are subject to travel restrictions, and importing goods from Cuba adds another layer of complexity for people seeking import compliance for Cuban goods. But it’s worth it. Importing Commercial Goods from Cuba Commercial imports authorized under § 515.582 of the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR), … Read more
Royal Caribbean’s 6,000-passenger Harmony of the Seas’ onboard attractions include a mock Central Park with live plants and trees, drinks prepared by robots, a 1 1/2-hour production of the musical “Grease,” – plus a 10-story thrill slide. A lot has changed since the 961-foot, 2,200-passenger Queen Elizabeth sailed in the late 1960s. Boat size inflation, driven by … Read more
Business Insider publishes an annual ranking of the best Caribbean Islands. This year, Cuba ranks #1. Business Insider Distance from NYC: 3 hours and 35 minutes Average hotel room cost: $124 per night Cuba’s unique architecture, ’50s-era Chevy taxicabs, and sandy beaches have been just out of reach for American tourists until recently. Years of US embargo have … Read more
The collapse of the Soviet Union hit the Cuban economy severely. The island nation lost approximately 80% of its imports, 80% of its exports and its Gross Domestic Product dropped by a third, virtually overnight. Entirely dependent on fossil fuels to operate, the major buttresses of Cuban society – its transport, industrial and agricultural systems … Read more
A new hotel in Old Havana will be operated by Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group. When construction is complete later this year, the Gran Hotel Kempinski Manzana La Habana will be Cuba’s first five-star hotel (on the European rating system). The hotel will occupy the historic Manzana de Gómez building. The grand structure, dating to 1890, … Read more
The U.S. embargo against Cuba remains in place – it can only be removed by U.S. Congress – yet former President Obama used executive authority to modify certain aspect of the embargo including importation rules for goods produced by independent Cuban entrepreneurs. Goods and Services Eligible for Importation from Cuba In accordance with the policy … Read more
Every year Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Investment prepares a tome of investment opportunities available to foreign investors. The recently published 2016 Portfolio of Opportunities for Foreign Investment offers insights into the priorities and limitations for foreign investment from Cuba’s point of view. The document identifies Cuba’s Cubay rum brand as a potential partner … Read more
Cuba’s economic transition is creating a lot of interest from suppliers and exporters eager to capitalize on a recently opened society. The island nation’s large modernization needs in infrastructure, stagnating investment rates, low agricultural output, a lack of internal supply in consumer segments and a booming tourism industry create a wide variety of export opportunities … Read more
