Amid speculation on the state of Fidel Castro’s health, and, consequently, whether or not he, or his political cohorts, will be able to remain in control of Cuba’s government, come reports that the new Democratic majority in Congress may push for a “new direction in Cuba.” Massachusetts Representative William Delahunt (D) and others recently visited the island nation as part of a delegation and returned talking of changes to decades old sanctions and travel restrictions, according to the Boston Globe. One of the first steps in the process would be to ease the restrictions for Cuban-Americans returning to visit family members. If that measure succeeds, though, it may be a crack in the dam. It was not so long ago that Cuba was one of the top vacation destinations for Americans, and for much of the rest of the world (and hundreds of yanquís traveling clandestinely) it still is. The Malecón and Old Havana have been largely restored in recent years, and hotels are springing up. The US travel industry (in particular, certain top-tier hotel magnates) are getting restless for their piece of the action. (via World Hum)

– “Delahunt pushes for end to U.S. travel ban on Cuba” (Boston Globe)
– “Castro Does Not Have Cancer, Spanish Surgeon Says” (NYT)


Previously:
– “Note to US Hoteliers: “Cuba Libre” is Still Just a Cocktail“