US Blockade Causes Million Losses to Cuba Tourism

US Blockade Causes Million Losses to Cuba Tourism

Havana, Jul 11 (Prensa Latina) The economic, financial and commercial blockade of the United States has caused losses of 38.72 billion dollars to the Cuban tourism industry, Tourism Minister Manuel Marrero said Thursday.

This was stated in the report he presented before the MPs to the National Assembly of People’s Power and in the presence of President Miguel Diaz-Canel, who actively participates in the Third Ordinary Period of the 9th Legislature of the Cuban Parliament.

Marrero indicated that U.S. sanctions and prohibitions limit the access of tourists to Cuba, a prohibited destination for U.S. citizens and cruise ships by decision of President Donald Trump’s administration.

Tourism activity decreased in June after the measures announced by Washington on the 5th of that month, for which cruise ships, sailboats and private U.S. airplanes no longer arrive in Cuba, he said.

He also mentioned the existence of sustained campaigns aimed at discrediting Cuban destiny. He also noted that Washington eliminated ‘people-to-people’ educational trips, which affects more than 500,000 US citizens for the rest of the year.

The report presented to the legislators adds that the activation of Title III of the Helms-Burton Act threatens business in the sector.

Especially after lawsuits were filed in U.S. courts affecting six companies, three Cuban and three foreign.

The Minister also said the tourism industry competes in complex conditions because it must purchase hotel products and supplies in Europe and Asia, and it has no access to major international advertising companies.

lrg/abo/mem/ool