Major consumer survey shows growth in travel to Cuba

PLYMOUTH, USA — On Friday, Travel Leaders Group released its latest survey findings in which Cuba continues trending upward in interest among American travelers and is likely to increase further with regularly scheduled air service from the United States that was also announced on June 10.

Survey participants indicating they’d “go immediately” to Cuba if all government restrictions were lifted has risen to nearly 11 percent, with gains also charted among those who have already been there. The survey was conducted April 4 to April 30, 2016, and includes responses from 3,431 consumers throughout the United States.

“Today’s announcement of six US airlines approved for commercial flights to Cuba, beginning this fall, is another major step toward more American visitors in Cuba. While Congress has yet to lift all remaining restrictions on travel, it is clear from our survey data that Americans are increasingly considering and booking travel to Cuba, albeit modestly,” explained Travel Leaders Group CEO Ninan Chacko. “Cuba is such a fascinating and culturally-rich destination that we anticipate continued growth. Our goal is to assist clients in determining which of the 12 approved categories of authorized travel best fits their needs.”

The number of Americans interested in travel to Cuba if all US government restrictions are lifted continued to increase year-over-year. Conversely, the number who indicated they have no interest in traveling to Cuba has decreased substantially since last year.