Savvy clients who can navigate the State Department’s rules on Cuba travel can now take independent trips via Delta Vacations, which just unveiled new hotel and flight packages to Havana, Varadero, and Cayo Santa Maria. In Havana, for example, travel agents can book clients into rooms at the iconic Hotel Nacional de Cuba, the Meliá Habana, and the H10 Habana Panorama, among other properties.
Packages are now being sold for travel starting as early as January 5, 2017. “Experiencing Cuba is a ‘bucket list’ item for many American travelers,” says John Caldwell, Delta Vacations president. “We are thrilled to now offer this opportunity for travelers wanting to experience the Cuban way of life, its energetic community, and distinct culture.”
Most Americans traveling to Cuba still do so via tour groups that ensure that their itineraries comply with the United States Office of Foreign Asset Control’s (OFAC) requirements for travel to the Communist-ruled island. The rules restrict Cuba travel to so-called “People to People” visits: travelers are required to prove (typically to U.S. customs and immigration officers upon returning to the U.S.) that their visit was for cultural or educational purposes under one of 12 sharply defined categories of authorized travel.
Pure leisure tourism to Cuba is still prohibited. “Delta Vacations does not offer programs that fully qualify travelers under these requirements, and we recommend becoming familiar with the travel restrictions before considering travel options,” according to a Delta press release.
Delta operates daily flights to Havana from New York/JFK, Atlanta, and Miami. Clients who book Delta Vacation air/hotel packages will receive 1,000 bonus SkyMiles in addition to any credited flown miles they accrue. The package also includes mandatory Cuban medical insurance, but not a required Cuban entry visa.
Visit www.delta.com