Philadelphia (TAN): Jenkintown, Pennsylvania-based global tour operator Friendly Planet Travel has agreed to acquire New York-based Cuba specialist tour company insightCuba, Travelmarket said.
The acquisition closely follows steps by the US government to tighten restrictions on US citizens’ ability to visit Cuba.
Friendly Planet founder Peggy Goldman said US citizens are still allowed to travel to Cuba. “Travel to Cuba by Americans is legal, and there is demand for this incredible destination that cannot be undone,” the report quoted her as saying. “We are bullish on the future.”
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According to the report, many Americans were not aware that they could still visit Cuba under a “support for the Cuban people” category, either with an organized tour or as individuals, as long as they stayed in private bed and breakfasts, patronized home-based restaurants, and followed other rules.
In a statement, insightCuba founder Tom Popper said, “Pent-up demand for US travel to Cuba remains high.”
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Under the terms of the sale, the two firms will continue to operate independently, and Popper will continue to lead insightCuba.
