Cuba-Bound Travelers Gaining Ground

08/02/2009 01:34 PM
Cuba-Bound Travelers Gaining Ground
By: Valarie D'Elia

Cuba is a steamy mix of music, mojitos, a cornucopia of cigars, classic
cars and culture.

Because of a trade embargo that has lasted 50 years, ordinary American
tourists are not permitted to spend money on a vacation there, but a
movement to lift those restrictions once and for all is gaining ground.

"There are bills in both the House and the Senate, they have a lot of
support. So far, neither of the New York senators have co-sponsored
them," said John McAuliff of the Fund for Reconciliation and Development.

But the embargo doesn't stop 40,000 intrepid U.S. tourists from finding
a way through the back door, traveling through a third party country
such as Mexico, Canada or Jamaica -- hoping to get a glimpse of an
authentic culture before it's too late.

One of the most popular ways to wind up on a trip to Cuba is to wind
down on the beaches of Varadero, where a selection of all-inclusives
line the shore.

Depending on the progress of the Cuban travel bill in Congress, sooner
or later, American tourists may legally be able to join two million
visitors from Europe and Canada who are sifting through the Cuban sand
instead of the sanctions.

NY1 | 24 Hour Local News | NY1 Living | Cuba-Bound Travelers Gaining
Ground (2 August 2009)
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