New Wave of US, Cuba Relations to Boost Tourism and Family Ties

Havana inhabitants will definitely gain from restored diplomatic ties between two countries after a half century of political and economic isolation from its neighbor.

So the Havana-Miami charter flight is overloaded with stuff Cuban-Americans are taking with them as long as "The situation is chaotic on the island from an economic standpoint," 47-year émigré Ernesto Rodriguez told AFP. Big TVs, sizable suitcases of non-deteriorating supplies and even automobile tires will please relatives who can't afford the goods like these in the country was believed to be poor because of its political regime.

However, a fly in the ointment is the costly fares for the only direct charter flight to Havana. Passengers complain of having to pay $500 for a 45-minutes flight.

"The fares are very expensive. They are sure to come down once there are more options," Rodriguez said, encouraged by the rumors of a ferry service to Cuba to be launched later this year.

Rodriguez left his native Cuba 12 years ago for the land of the second chance, where he found a job, like thousands of his compatriots did.

Another Cuban American Javier Rodriguez of 50 years old who moved to Miami two years ago with his wife and daughter while lining up to check in for the flight expressed hope that revival of US-Cuban relations will lead to more Cubans vising back the island.

The communist-run island will benefit as more Americans visit the exotic island as tourism will get second wind. Although US citizens are technically still not allowed to travel to the island, they can visit for family reasons or for official business with the US government without any special permission.

However, not all the Cuban-Americans on the flight to Havana are encouraged by the restoration of bilateral relations, claiming they will probably have no impact. This opinion confirmed the widespread belief that 50 years of tension relations between two countries produced mistrust and suspicion between their respective people.

Going in the opposite route, however, some Cubans visiting the US expect their country's to benefit from the renewal of diplomatic ties.

"Cuba was always paradise," said Ana Maria Urizarri, a retired teacher of 72, adding "Many Cubans here who have never gone to Cuba so far will probably want to go," especially if the air fares come down.

After travel sanctions relief, the domestic US airline JetBlue has officially announced direct flights from New York to Havana earlier this month.