It’s never been this difficult in the last 22 years of our business,” Michael Zuccato, head of Cuba Travel Services, told Reuters recently.

Like Zuccato, other heads of travel agencies condemned these sanctions are major roadblocks to travel to Cuba, whose charms are then beyond the reach of the US citizens.

US citizens are banned from traveling to Cuba by decision of former President Donald Trump (2017-2021), who reversed permits granted under Barack Obama´s term (2009-2017) to stimulate “people-to-people” travels.

The Trump White House ended cruise ship dockings, reduced flights to Havana and declared most hotels, bus and other Cuban tour services off limits to US citizens, and imposed more sanctions on financial transactions.

These measures, which tightened US blockade imposed six years ago, remain in place even under current President Joe Biden, despite his electoral promise to reverse such measures.

US tour operators hoped Joe Biden would reduce roadblocks to visiting Cuba, an attractive destination not only for having lush and crystal beaches but for its culture, history and nature.

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