Mrs Clintons Bombshell. Cuba opening up to US!

[edm7583]

Is this DR related? I think so, as it has the possibility to decimate the DR tourist industry. Mrs Clinton is having her confirmation hearing today in Washington. Fox News has just reported that a few minutes ago, she gave testimony that she along with the rest Obama administration,and the President-elect himself, is committed to ending the travel restrictions to Cuba. (though most aspects of the embargo would still remain in place.)

As an American who has visited Cuba, I can tell you that though there are pros and cons between the DR and Cuba as tourist destinations, Cuba could really give DR a run for its money.

[catcherintherye]

Even though we were advised not to hold our breath, this is really not unexpected. There have been rumors to this effect since the election.

In the short-term, this might put a small crimp in the tourist travel to the DR, but overall, it will be a remarkably benefit for everyone concerned.

It will certainly force the DR government to pay more attention to issues that affect tourists, such as crime, fees, treatment by officials, etc. It will also give a greater voice toe expat community, as many might consider a move to a more welcoming environment.

Although I doubt there will be any real estate available on that island for many years to come, I'm sure the Cuban government already has schemes in place to entice expats, and their dollars, to spend as much time as possible in Cuba.

[edm7583]

The Cuban government has not changed, nor will it. It is still a totalitarian dictatorship. The state will still control all aspects of the tourist industry. It will be a welcoming place for tourists to come for a week or so, lay on the beach, etc. but I don't see how it would welcome expats, retirees or long term residents! You can't buy property. There are extremely strict visa regulations for any non-tourist, or anyone who wants to stay over 30 days! And the few private industries that are allowed in Cuba (casas particulares, paladares,) are now frowned upon by the government, and they are no longer issuing new licenses to practice these occupations as they divert tourist dollars from the state.

For 50 years, America's position on Cuba has been the same, no matter if a Republican or a Democrat was in the White House: When Cuba allows free multi-party elections, when they recognize even the most basic human rights, and when they stop locking up political opponents, America will consider lifting sanctions. This news is indeed a bombshell as it veers drastically away from 50 years of US policy. I was hoping that Obama would take positions more moderate than the campaign rhetoric of the past year once he went into the White House, but it's clear now that socialism and appeasement to dictators will be the order of the day for the next four years.

[catcherintherye]

Anyone adamantly opposed to Cuba should certainly refrain from traveling there. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, no matter how selectively they apply it.

I'm sure there are many prognosticators who will offer a variety of differing projections as to what will transpire as a result of this announcement, with varying degrees of information and reasoning to support their pronouncements. Perhaps it would be wiser just to wait and see exactly how the Cuban government responds.

[edm7583]

Now other media outlets are saying that she meant only Cuban Americans. I'm trying to find actual footage of her testimony. But Shep Smith on Fox News said that she advocated a lifting of travel restrictons.

As I said in a different thread- Dont hold your breath.

[A.Hidalgo]

Oh get over it. Its time to drop the embargo. The US opened up to communist China during the Nixon era and now while China is officially communist it certainly acts like a mixed economy country. The US normalized relations with communist Vietnam and it too has started to transition to a market economy. I believe that if this embargo had never been implemented Cuba would be a totally different country now. Isolating it did not serve its purpose.

Decimating Dominican tourism, are you nuts. Dominican Republic's tourism will adjust to the changes and move forward.

[Hillbilly]

Cuba is not equipped to handle a huge tourist influx. Oh shyte HB, how do you know?

HUH...it seems that I have a connection in the tourist industry, and the stories I hear are incredible.
1) All employees at hotels are government appointees--Thievery is as much as 40%
2) they can't be fired.
3) There is no health care available. Not even a band aid. Nothing beyond what might or might be in the managers safe@
4) Travel restrictions
5) Lack of rooms....remember, there are 53000 rooms out in Bavaro-Punta Cana (or so I was given to understand)
6) Spotty internet access...
And I will be going to Cuba in May, Lord and $$ willing...

HB

[PICHARDO]

Oh get over it. Its time to drop the embargo. The US opened up to communist China during the Nixon era and now while China is officially communist it certainly acts like a mixed economy country. The US normalized relations with communist Vietnam and it too has started to transition to a market economy. I believe that if this embargo had never been implemented Cuba would be a totally different country now. Isolating it did not serve its purpose.

Decimating Dominican tourism, are you nuts. Dominican Republic's tourism will adjust to the changes and move forward.

Lord have mercy upon my soul!!!

A.Hidalgo!!! You just made my heart skip a beat!!!!
You're defending the DR's tourism industry Vs Cuba?!?!?!?!?!?!?

It was about time something positive came out of you with the DR on the same sentence!!!!!!!!!!!

I agree with your assessment 100% on this post!!!!

Note to self: Be more positive of your fellow DR1er A.Hidalgo this 2009!

[AK74]

Is this DR related? I think so, as it has the possibility to decimate the DR tourist industry. Mrs Clinton is having her confirmation hearing today in Washington. Fox News has just reported that a few minutes ago, she gave testimony that she along with the rest Obama administration,and the President-elect himself, is committed to ending the travel restrictions to Cuba. (though most aspects of the embargo would still remain in place.)

As an American who has visited Cuba, I can tell you that though there are pros and cons between the DR and Cuba as tourist destinations, Cuba could really give DR a run for its money.

Good news! Beautiful country. Rich culture and history. Great education, sport and healthcare. Ecology is A+. Havana is superb. I love those 1952 Caddilacs and Dodges.

Varadero is heaven on Earth.

Really good news. We deserved it.

[cobraboy]

Just wait until a few hundred thousand Cuban Americans and their heirs go to Cuba and raise a stink, asking for their property that the government stole back...