Press Releases

Statement on Cuba from Terry Dale, president & CEO, United States Tour Operators Association

Published Jun 7, 2019 4:00PM


UPDATED: Statement on Cuba from Terry Dale, president & CEO, United States Tour Operators Association

NEW YORK (June 7, 2019) –  The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR) impacting travel between the United States and Cuba. The new amendment removes the authorization for group people-to-people educational travel, which previously allowed Americans the ability to travel to Cuba with a licensed tour operator on an approved program.

Effective June 5, 2019, licensed tour operators will no longer be permitted to introduce and operate new programs to Cuba. Cruise lines and airlines will no longer be able to accept bookings for group people-to-people travel for educational purposes. However, it is important to note that OFAC’s regulatory changes include a “grandfathering” provision. The provision allows previously authorized group people-to-people educational travel to continue. Travelers must have completed at least one travel-related transaction prior to June 5, 2019. A travel-related transaction would include purchasing a flight or reserving accommodation. We believe more clarifications will come with respect to the impacts of the amendments.

Since its inception more than 40 years ago, the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) has supported an open borders policy and will continue to advocate for the growth of the travel and tourism industry inside and outside of the United States.  These new regulations are counter to USTOA’s core belief in freedom of travel for Americans. The industry will adjust how it does business under the new rules, and we will continue to clarify and comply. However, USTOA will be on the front lines of the industry advocating that the CACR be amended to re-allow group people-to-people educational travel. USTOA will be voicing our stance on these announcements at the upcoming USTOA 2019 Congressional Caucus.

These regulations are effective as of June 5, 2019. For other questions related to travel to Cuba, OFAC has provided a frequently asked questions list.

About USTOA: 

Representing nearly $19 billion in revenue, the member companies of U.S. Tour Operators Association provide tours, packages and custom arrangements that allow 9.8 million travelers annually unparalleled access, insider knowledge, peace-of-mind, value and freedom to enjoy destinations and experiences across the entire globe. Each member company has met the travel industry’s highest standards, including participation in the USTOA’s Travelers Assistance Program, which protects consumer payments up to $1 million if the company goes out of business.  As a voice for the tour operator industry for more than 40 years, USTOA also provides education and assistance for consumers and travel agents.

 

Contact:

Gina Dolecki/Ashley Mindnich                                          

Redpoint

212-229-0119

dolecki@redpointspeaks.com /mindnich@redpointspeaks.com    


SHARE THIS Download PDF

Latest USTOA Blog Posts


Solo Travel
Solo Travel By: Lion World Travel Is travel to Africa on your bucket list, but not on your partner’s? Do you and your partner take vacations at different times? Do you like to travel with your friends, but prefer to stay in your own room? Solo travel offers new opportunities and fantastic experiences. There is… Read More
Meaningful Family Safari
Meaningful Family Safari By: African Travel Inc. An African safari is a unique bonding opportunity with loved ones. Children will be awestruck as the giraffe, zebras and elephants of their textbooks are brought to life. Parents or grandparents will love seeing the kids gain new insights, while experiencing diverse cultures. What better way to inspire… Read More
Debunking Common Myths about Guided Vacations
Debunking Common Myths about Guided Vacations By Lisa Sands, Director of Marketing, CIE Tours As it relates to fast-paced journeys through Europe, you’ve likely heard the phrase “if it’s Tuesday, this must be Belgium!”.  A 1969 movie by that name exaggerated the experiences people had in the early days of motorcoach touring; and although the… Read More
USTOA $1 Million
Travelers Assistance Program

A travel vacation should not only be an unforgettable experience, but offer solid peace of mind. That’s why USTOA created a consumer protection fund which protects consumers who book with our Active Members.

Learn More

Our website is set to allow the use of cookies — for more information click here. If you consent to cookies please click "Proceed" or simply continue browsing