American Interest in Cuba as a Travel Destination is Waning

American Interest in Cuba as a Travel Destination is Waning
AFP
Updated: May 3, 2017, 10:11 AM IST

Despite the fanfare around the easing of travel restrictions to Cuba,
the results of a new survey suggest that the novelty has worn out among
Americans, with fewer travelers expressing interest in the island as a
travel destination.
About a year after major commercial airlines restored flights between
the US and Cuba and travel restrictions were eased, an Allianz Global
Assistance survey has found that interest in Cuba has dipped slightly
compared to the year before.
While safety concerns were major anxieties for Americans in 2016, some
of the biggest stumbling blocks for American travelers this year include
a lack of information on Cuba's travel experiences, travel
infrastructure and the lack of mobile and internet connectivity.
Overall, 35 percent of respondents said the easing of travel
restrictions made them more interested in traveling to Cuba in 2016,
compared to 26 percent in 2017.
The likelihood of travel to Cuba also dropped a few percentage points
among respondents in 2017 compared to 2016, with 76 percent of
respondents saying it's highly unlikely they'll be booking a trip to
Cuba this year, compared to 70 percent a year before.
The survey is based on the answers of more than 1,500 Americans.
The biggest draw for Cuban travel, meanwhile, are the island's resorts
and beaches, followed by cultural attractions, Cuban food and rum,
people, classic cars, cigars, family and friends.

Source: American Interest in Cuba as a Travel Destination is Waning -
http://www.news18.com/news/travel/american-interest-in-cuba-as-a-travel-destination-is-waning-1390261.html