SAN DIEGO, June 6, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- As the travel industry scrambles to digest the latest travel restrictions to Cuba, Discover Corps trips continue to remain a legal option because of its unique focus on supporting the Cuban people.
On June 4, 2019 the Treasury Department released their updated policy with regards to travel in Cuba. Under the revised policy, many cruise lines and companies operating under the "people to people" license will no longer be able to visit Cuba. In contrast, those who operate under the "Support for the Cuban People" license can still travel to Cuba legally.
The Founder of Discover Corps, Andrew Motiwalla, a pioneer in travel to Cuba explained, "The mission of Discover Corps is to improve the communities we visit. Now more than ever, it is vital to support the Cuban people so they can improve their lives despite the political tensions between our governments. This latest update to the travel policy is disappointing, but it's important that people understand there are still legal ways to travel to Cuba."
More on the "Support for the Cuba People" License
This license truly ensures that you are traveling with the intention and itinerary that will help support Cuban individuals and micro-entrepreneurs. Discover Corps has always operated under the belief that travel should be an exchange, where travelers leave the destination a little bit better than they left it.
A few items that allow for a trip to operate under this license include:
- Stay at casas particulares, or privately owned bed and breakfasts
- Eat at local paladars, or privately owned restaurants
- Spend 8 hours per day engaging in activities that support these Cuban individuals. For Discover Corps, this includes lending a hand at a local music and arts center, volunteering at a center for special needs children, connecting with local farmers,, supporting local dance troupes, and more.
- Hire guides and drivers who do not work for any government agency
Former People to People License - No Longer Legal
Travel to Cuba experienced a massive surge when President Obama loosened restrictions in 2016. Around this time, many companies opted for the "people to people" license because it allowed them to access known Cuban government agencies that could plan activities on the island, help hire guides and drivers, and allow the companies to book rooms at government-run hotels. Once again, this license no longer exists and it is now illegal to travel under this license.
Discover Corps Trips to Cuba
Below are the following legal trips to Cuba offered by Discover Corps:
- Havana Weekend Getaway– Four-day trip covering culture and life in Havana.
- Building Bridges– Eight-day volunteer vacation promoting community development in Havana, with time spent in Cienfuegos and Trinidad.
- Celebration of Arts & Culture– Eight-day cultural immersion visiting Havana, Trinidad, and Cienfuegos.
- Preserving Nature's Wonders– Eight-day exploration of the Cuban countryside in Viñales Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Family Island Exploration – Six-day exploration focusing on families in Havana, Viñales Valley, and the coast.
Politics aside, it is important, now more than ever, that we continue to build connections between Americans and Cubans and spread the message of goodwill around the world.
Media Inquiries:
Please contact Andrew Motiwalla at 1.858.771.0644 or email andrew(at)terraeducation(dot)com
About Discover Corps
The mission of Discover Corps is to inspire travelers to become advocates for our planet's natural wonders, cultural treasures, and local communities. Accomplished through immersive and sustainable travel experiences, the company operates programs for families and friends in 18 countries around the world.
SOURCE Discover Corps
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