U.S. bans cruise stops for tourism in Cuba

Since June 5, the U.S. government has maintained the ban on tourist cruise travel to Cuba, originating from or destined for any port in the country, as well as recreational and sports vessels, and private and corporate flights, although commercial flights between the two countries remain authorized, which are mostly used by Cuban exiles in the U.S.

This decision by the Trump administration represents a blow to Cuba's economy in a sector that had been growing since 2014. According to the State Department, it aims to prevent “the Cuban regime and its military services, which control the tourism industry in Cuba, from accessing U.S. dollars.” This decision harms those in the Caribbean nation who depend on this activity and is celebrated by some Cuban organizations based in Miami with arguments such as “immoral tourism provides resources to the oppressors,” according to the Hispanic press in that city.

Photo: Carlos Vadir Góñiz