US vacations in Cuba still come with hangovers from Trump's sanctions

Cuba opens its borders next week signaling new opportunity for pandemic-weary travelers and the island's tourism industry, but for US citizens getting there requires jumping through hoops like never before, according to the heads of eight US tour agencies. US President Donald Trump ended cruise ship dockings, reduced flights to Havana and eliminated them altogether to the outlying provinces. His administration declared most hotels, bus and other Cuban tour services off limits because they were owned by the military, and made financial transactions more difficult in general, measures that remain in place under President Joe Biden. "US obstacles are the most significant in our more than 22 years of doing business in Cuba," said Michael Zuccato, head of Cuba Travel Services. Tensions between Washington and Havana are on the rise ahead of protests planned by dissidents on the island for Nov. 15, the same day Cuba reopens its borders to international visitors. "The challenges seem endless right now. Between Trump, the pandemic and now Biden," said Mayra Alonso, president of Marazul Tours. She said walking the tightrope between US and Cuban regulations "keeps it interesting." Zuccato, like the others, said booking hotels and transferring funds to the Caribbean island in particular had become major headaches for those planning trips to Cuba from the United States. Many tour operators had hoped that Biden would make good on campaign promises and reduce hurdles to visiting the Caribbean island, a popular destination that boasts a rich culture, white sand beaches and historic buildings. "US sanctions increased by Trump and maintained by the Biden administration are a great disappointment," Collin Laverty, head of Cuban Educational Travel, said. Rising political tensions between the long-term rivals ahead of next week's planned protests do not help, the tour operators said. Despite the escalating rhetoric, Cuba, which depends on tourism, continues to welcome all US citizens to vacation on the island, Transportation Minister Eduardo Rodriguez told reporters last week. "Today the United States has four weekly flights to Havana, and we have increased this to 147 per week, including 77 to Havana," he said. US airlines have announced more flights to Havana beginning next week, with an eye toward Cuban-Americans traveling home over the holidays.<br/>