Periodico 26

New York.- In statements to Prensa Latina, he spoke of how he was impressed by the participants' passion. Representatives of tourism companies came, he said, some who are already doing business with the island and others who are interested.

Many people in the United States want the normalization of relations between Washington and Havana, he added.

The meeting with the Cuban President and the fact he has dedicated some time to talk to us is very good and helps a lot, as well as the fact that from here we talk about normalization, stressed Gutiérrez.

In spite of the obstacles, tourism is going on and cruise ships are still licensed to operate, he observed, but the issue is how to continue moving forward.

That's why in the meeting at the Marriott Marquis hotel in New York, it was highlighted that the tourism sector needs inputs from other industries and that would give the opening to take other companies, Gutiérrez explained.

All this still requires a lot of formalities, but the important thing is to keep pushing, he stressed.

Gutiérrez also pointed out that while the impulse that existed when diplomatic relations were re-established has diminished, travel to the island is not totally prohibited, even though it is a complicated process and requires more and more procedures.

The number of travelers to Cuba from the U.S. has grown in recent times and people already see that you can travel to the island, and this is different from the perception published in some media, he said.

Since Monday, Díaz-Canel has developed a broad bilateral agenda at the UN, and also has met with U.S. representatives and businessmen, as well as with local authorities in New York.

On Friday, The Cuban President talked about the opportunities existing on Cuba with senior officials of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. travel industry.

The sides discussed the potential for those entities dedicated to travel between Cuba and the United States, and referred to the need to eliminate the prohibitions which hinder Americans from freely visiting the neighboring nation.

According to official figures, more than 400,000 Cubans residing in the United States and more than 600,000 Americans visited the island in 2017, but the following year, as a result of the misleading travel alert, this influx decreased by around 20 percent.

Still, the numbers remain above the 300,000 Americans who arrive in Cuba.

DÍAZ-CANEL TALKS WITH EXECUTIVES FROM U.S. TRAVEL INDUSTRY

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel talked on Friday with senior executives of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the travel industry of this country about opportunities for the island.

During the meeting the parties discussed the potential for those entities that are dedicated to trips between Cuba and the United States, and referred to the need to eliminate the prohibitions that prevent U.S. citizens from visiting the neighboring nation freely.

Likewise, several attendees ratified his opposition to the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by Washington against Cuba more than 55 years ago and welcomed the opportunity to hold talks with the Cuban leader.

Díaz-Canel highlighted the importance of this meeting, which was held in the context of his participation at the UN General Assembly in New York, and stressed that the travel industry is a sector that favors dialogue and relations with Cuba.

The Head of State referred to the increase in the island's hotel capacity in recent years, said that in his country operate more than 20 foreign chains, and mentioned the increase in the number of tourists that this country receives every year.

According to the President, market researchers estimate that Cuba can expect to receive two to five million U.S. tourists.

So far, due to the restrictions imposed by the U.S. Government, the citizens of this country can only visit the neighboring nation under specific licenses and without tourist purposes.

Díaz-Canel added that the presence of travel agencies facilitates the arrival in Cuba of people highly motivated by the culture, history and nature of the island.

One of the participants in the meeting was Craig Greenberg, president of the 21 Museum company, which consists of a chain that combines hospitality with contemporary art.

For his part, Thomas Donohue, president of the Chamber of Commerce of the United States, told Prensa Latina that the conditions are adequate in the two countries for better links in the sector.

We love Cuba and the Cubans, it's a growing relationship, said Tom McAlpin, president of the cruise line Virgin Voyages, who said they are very interested in expanding its reach and sending passengers to the island.

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