Petition for Open Cuban Travel Launched by Orbitz

The statement “The United States seeks a new beginning with Cuba”, made by President Obama in mid April has opened a world of possibilities in the travel world. While no documented efforts to actually release the ban on travel to Cuba by Americans is yet on the horizon, well known online travel site Orbitz has initiated a push to help it along through a petition.

Since 1962, a travel ban has been enforced by the United States government against the country of Cuba. Perhaps because of the “forbidden fruit” syndrome, many Americans have a strong curiosity and desire to visit the island country, and the travel industry is anxious to capitalize on that burgeoning interest in the tourism market. In an era when tourism for many areas has dropped dramatically due to the global financial crisis, Cuba emerges as one of the very few destinations that have remained strong in the tourism industry. Inexpensive, all inclusive package deals are available in Cuba, and likely attribute in great part to the popularity.

Orbitz Worldwide, along with Ipsos, first conducted an online opinion poll, the results of which were released on May 11th showing that an “overwhelming” portion of those polled favored an end to the ban. The next step for Orbitz was to initiate the petition on the website www.opencuba.org, which enables Americans to sign the appeal directed towards the President, Vice President and members of both the US Senate and House of Representatives.

Should the travel ban be reversed by the US government, it is anticipated that the first tourist travel to occur to Cuba would be via cruise ships; followed by air travel.

The likelihood of an open travel policy to Cuba being reinstated seems thin, however. Many believe that it would serve only to bolster the administration of Cuba; bankrolling a repressive government system. While supporters of the proposal to lift the ban do not argue that fact, they do point out that having the travel ban in effect has not altered the system, either.

A government sanction on Cuba travel is up in the air at this time. President Obama has indicated his favorable inclinations toward the measure; however, no actions have been put into place at this time. The move by Orbitz to petition the government has certainly brought the issue to the forefront as a highly debated one, and it remains to be seen whether its efforts will have any effect on the question.