旅行社友好的星球旅行获得InsightCuba
byBarbara Peterson/
Friendly Planet Travel, a global tour operator based in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, has agreed to acquire New York-based Cuba specialist insightCuba. The transaction unites two tour companies that are licensed to offer programs to Cuba, although insightCuba operates exclusively to that country.
The acquisition comes on the heels of recent moves by the U.S. government to tighten restrictions on U.S. citizens’ ability to visit Cuba. Recently, the U.S. virtually eliminated the popular “people-to-people" category of approved travel to the country, and put an end to cruises to Havana from American ports.
Peggy Goldman, founder and president of Friendly Planet, emphasized that U.S. citizens can still travel to Cuba, despite the confusion caused by the policy changes. She added that by joining forces, the companies would be in a stronger position to get that message out to the public. “Travel to Cuba by Americans is legal, and there is demand for this incredible destination that cannot be undone,” she said. “We are bullish on the future.”
除其他事项外,客户可能不知道他们仍然可以在“对古巴人民的支持”类别的情况下去古巴,无论是有组织的旅行还是个人,只要他们住在私人床和早餐,而不是酒店,光顾家庭餐厅,并遵守其他规则。有12类允许的旅行,包括家庭访问,学术追求,宗教旅行,人道主义活动和专业会议。
在一份声明中,汤姆·波普(Tom Popper)在近20年前创立了Insightcuba,他承认他公司的出售时机“可能会在旅游业中倾斜一些人。”但是他对目前对两国之间关系的冷漠表示信心,他说:“对美国前往古巴的旅行的需求仍然很高。”
That demand had surged following the resumption of diplomatic ties with Cuba in 2015, when the U.S. restored air service between the countries and a number of major airlines rushed in to start the first regularly scheduled flights in 50 years. Total visitor arrivals from all countries hit a record 4.8 million in 2018, according to Cuban Tourism Board statistics, and while that fell short of the country’s goal of 5.1 million annual visitors, it represents a 60% increase in arrivals over a five-year period. However, U.S. arrivals this year are expected to be down from recent years, according to the tourism board’s forecasts.
Under the terms of the sale, the two firms will continue to operate independently, and Popper will continue to lead insightCuba. Other terms of the sale are undisclosed.