Fifth International Conference on Tourism & Leisure Studies

Abstract

I consider the economic impact on both the US and Cuba of the new ban on touring Cuba. The broad social and political reach of Americans not being able to visit Cuba is evaluated. The impact of Americans being banned from visiting Cuba will be substantial because it is a complete ban not merely an administrative hurdle. For a large number of American tourists with substantial disposable income, this ban is unfortunate because Cuba has been a high-ranking tourist destination for several years. Visiting Cuba has brought substantial dollars to Cuba and not to be overlooked, has provided tourism jobs in the US. In a most creative way visiting Cuba has provided Americans a concrete means to see and study a small communist nation first hand. All other nations are encouraged to travel to Cuba. The persons being held captive are the US tourists.