US tourists should continue visiting Cuba despite the travel ban

Tourists from the US should not be deterred from visiting Cuba despite government advice to the contrary, according to an analyst with data and analytics company GlobalData.

The US recently advised its citizens not to travel to Cuba following 21 US diplomats reporting unexplained illnesses. There has been speculation that the illnesses were caused by an attack on US personnel based in Cuba. But maintaining tourism flows will be essential for the country to recover from Hurricane Irma.

Sean Hyett, Travel and Tourism Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Since there has been no evidence that tourists are in danger by visiting Cuba, US and other tourists should not be deterred by the travel ban or the effects of hurricane Irma. Tourists should continue visiting the Caribbean island, as their financial contributions are more important than ever for the country and economy to recover.”

The travel ban has been criticised for being politically motivated, rather than based on evidence that US tourists are in danger by visiting the Caribbean island.

Airbnb, American Airlines, United Airlines, and other US companies announced they would be continuing their operations in the country despite the new warning.

Hyett adds: “Cuba relies heavily on revenue and employment from the tourism industry, which accounts for around 10 percent of national GDP. If the travel ban deters US tourists from visiting then this could negatively impact the country’s economy and its citizens.”

If the country can continue to attract tourists then the impact on the industry and the economy may not be severe. Continued tourism to Cuba is now crucial for recovery, the revenues and jobs created by the industry will be essential for families and businesses to rebuild their damaged property.