Is Interest in Visiting Cuba Waning?

What:
A new survey from Allianz Global Assistance shows that 76 percent of Americans are unlikely to plan a trip to Cuba (a six percent jump from 2016). 

Why It Matters:
When asked what makes them uninterested in travel to Cuba, respondents pointed to: a lack of information on Cuba’s travel experiences (22 percent, up 4 percent from last year), concerns about Cuba’s travel infrastructure (13 percent, up 1 percent) and a lack of internet and mobile connectivity (9 percent, up 2 percent). There’s hope then for clients — so long as travel agents fill them in on the variety of tours, cruises and special experiences the country offers. 

Fast Facts:
- Most surveyed don’t think that opening Cuba to U.S. travelers has created any negative changes. 

- Twenty-five percent of respondents believe that the influx of American travelers to Cuba will change the country for the better, while 29 percent are neutral about the change.

- Thirty-two percent of respondents are lured by Cuba’s resorts and beaches, followed by cultural attractions (23 percent) and Cuban food and rum (13 percent). 

- Ten percent of respondents believe they will plan a trip to Cuba in 2018.

What They Are Saying:
“Our survey found that merely two percent of Americans think they will go to Cuba in the next six months, two percent believe they will make it there by the end of 2017 and 10 percent think they will go sometime in 2018,” said Daniel Durazo, director of communications at Allianz Global Assistance USA. “Airlines continue to change their services to Cuba, while cruise lines are revving up sailings to the island. It will be interesting to see how this affects visitors’ interest. It may be having initial effects as Allianz’s cruise survey from earlier in the year showed that 17 percent of Americans felt the recent announcements of cruise lines adding sailings to Cuba made them more interested in visiting the country.” 

The Details