The earnings drawn from Cuba tourism continues to grow in 2017 inspite of the restrictions imposed on US travel to the Caribbean island by President Donald Trump.
Jose Alonso, Tourism Ministry’s business director stated in a comment that a revenue of $US 3 billion was fetched catering to all activities related to tourism and the figures will grow more in the coming year.
The first half of 2017 showed 22 percent increase when compared with the same period last year. Cuba is expected to achieve a target for a record of 4.2 million visits this years .
In 2015 the tourism revenue was $US 2.6 billion, the decline in exports and subsidized oil shipments from its key ally Venezuela has made tourism as one of the key features of Cuba’s economy.
The Obama administration saw a boost in the sector since 2014- US Cuban detente and ease in US travel restrictions, even though, long time ban still existed.
Trump ordered changes in the travel restrictions earlier this month willing to cancel the Obama’s dealing with Havana quoting it as “terrible and misguided”.
Independent travel to Cuba from the US might get mores restricted, the details of the policy changes is still not known.
However, Alonso was sure that a large number of American will visit the island , but Southwest Airlines recent announcement will reduce its number of flights has drawn confusion over his comments. Southwest said that with the continuing prohibition in the US law sustainability in these markets has no clear path.
