By Alexander Britell Let the commercial aviation battle for Cuba begin. The US and Cuba have officially finalized their landmark air service agreement, paving the way for the imminent launch of regularly-scheduled commercial flights. “We are excited to announce the availability of new scheduled air service opportunities to Cuba for U.S. carriers, shippers, and the traveling … Read more
It’s no secret that American travel to Cuba is booming, but how many US visitors actually traveled to the island last year? According to the Cuban government’s official numbers, 145,000 Americans came to Cuba in 2015, an increase of 79 percent from the previous year, generally coming to the country under one of the 12 … Read more
US-Cuba Dialogue continues By Dana Niland Cuba Journal Contributor Cuba’s Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment Rodrigo Malmierca Diaz will lead a working visit to the United States next week. The visit will take place from February 15 to 18, according to a statement from Cuba’s government. Diaz will be leading a delegation composed … Read more
A new approach on the environment By Raimundo Espinoza After decades of non-existent diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba, President Obama forever changed things in December, 2014, by stating that “America extends a hand of friendship” to the Cuban people, and began charting a new course for re-establishing diplomatic relations. As the relationship between the … Read more
Regional air carrier InterCaribbean Airways is launching flights between Providenciales, Turks and Caicos and Havana, Cuba, the company announced this week. The new nonstop flights will launch May 1. Outbound flights from Turks and Caicos will operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with the Havana-Provo flight operating on Wednesdays. The company also suggested combination trips that … Read more
Want to buy a box of Cuban cigars in Cuba you can actually bring back? A reddish brown petit corona, the Sancho Panza is a wonderful if largely unknown smoke. Geared largely the Spanish market, as its name would suggest, Sancho Panza is one of Cuba’s undiscovered brands, offering great taste and, even more importantly, … Read more
Launching a new destination in Cuba By Dana Niland Cuba Journal Contributor Copa Airlines has announced it will begin nonstop flights two times a week between Panama City and Holguin, Cuba. The new route will go into effect as of June 21, 2016, the company said. “We are pleased to announce Holguín as our third destination … Read more
Santiago de Cuba’s hotel product is getting better. The city’s Gran Hotel and Imperial Hotel, located on the city’s Calle Enramadas, are now opening following large renovation projects. Both are located within walking distance of Carlos Manuel de Cespedes Park, and will be operated by the Cubanacan Group. The Gran Hotel, formerly the Bayamo Hotel and … Read more
Cuba’s rapidly-expanding hotel product has a new addition: a boutique property in Santiago de Cuba. As part of a wider crop of new hotels in the far southeastern corner of the country, the Punta Gorda hotel has opened its doors. The 12-room hotel is set on the bay that’s close to the city’s Marina Marlin, … Read more
It is no secrete that Cuba’s future economic development plans includes a focus on travel and tourism. Current US rules have so far restricted US firms from doing business in Cuba. Although Obama has loosened some restrictions, the travel and tourism sector remain off limits for US-based firms. Recently, Choice Hotels’ Steve Joyce visited Cuba. … Read more
