Bill Calls for Unrestricted Travel to Cuba

Cuba may soon be open to American travelersReps. Charles Rangel (D-NY) and Jeff Flake (R-AZ) have introduced a bill calling for an end to the restrictions on Americans traveling to Cuba and allowing all US travel agents to compete freely in booking trips. Since it has already gained bipartisan cosponsorship from more than 60 Representatives, many observers say the bill has great prospects for passing, although some predict strong opposition and a presidential veto. There's a tremendous amount of pent-up demand from the U.S. to visit Cuba. A December Gallup poll showed that two-thirds of U.S. voters desire normalized U.S.-Cuba relations. Cuba has been a popular package destination for budget-minded tourists from Canada and Europe; it remains to be seen if the country's tourism infrastructure could meet the demands and expectations of U.S. travelers.