U.S. travellers divided on Cuba: survey

While almost half of Americans are now interested in travelling to Cuba following the U.S. government’s easing of travel restrictions and improved diplomatic relations, a survey by Allianz Global Assistance found 70 per cent of survey respondents were currently unlikely to do so, citing safety concerns, lack of traveller information and trepidation over visiting a communist-governed country.

The survey found that 42 per cent of Americans would like to visit Cuba and that the easing of travel restrictions made 35 per cent more interested in the prospect of legally travelling to the country. However, just seven per cent would actually be “very likely” to plan a trip to Cuba, while 22 per cent were only “somewhat likely” to do so, and the remaining 70 per cent were not at all likely.

The major anxieties for Americans are safety concerns (44 per cent) and fear of communist government (15 per cent). Others felt the country was lacking in travel experiences (18 per cent), travel infrastructure (12 per cent), internet/mobile connectivity (seven per cent) or appropriate healthcare facilities (six per cent).

The survey results showed that Americans want to keep their experiences inside their comfort zone, with 33 per cent responding that beach resorts would make them more interested and likely to travel to Cuba, compared to Cuba’s cultural attractions (24 per cent), the Cuban people (12 per cent), Cuban food and rum (11 per cent), classic 1950s American cars (nine per cent), Cuban cigars (five per cent) and family and friends (five per cent).

Of the adventurous few that are likely to visit Cuba, only four per cent plan on doing so in 2016, while 10 per cent will do so in 2017, and the remainder don’t know. When U.S. travellers do start visiting Cuba in large numbers, more than half of Americans (55 per cent) believe the country will change for the better.

With safety the top concern holding back travelers, 15 per cent of Americans said the peace of mind of having travel insurance would make them more interested in traveling to Cuba.