Source: miamiherald.com
Since the easing of travel restrictions by the Obama administration to Cuba, there has been a resurgence of family visits from South Florida to the Caribbean island nation.
During the period April to June, some 55,000 persons traveled to Cuba, when compared to 30,000 in the January to March period, when the restriction were still in place. Some in the travel industry are projecting that by the end of 2009, about 200,000 persons would have traveled, about double the yearly number of travelers when restrictions were in place under the Bush administration. This number could even go higher, now that all restrictions on family visits to Cuba have been lifted.
Under the new dispensation, there is no limit on the number of visits from persons with families in Cuba, nor are there any restrictions on the length of stay. Previously, before the restrictions were lifted, visits were as few as once every three years.
Travel executives and charter companies are preparing for the onslaught in travel and are seeking to add additional flights.
While most of the flights originate out of Miami, other cities authorized to handle charters to Cuba are, New York and Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, cities such as Key West and New Orleans have requested authorization to originate travel to Cuba from these destinations.
