Reference no: EM133028076

Do you think that the US is helping or hurting the Cuban people through this embargo that has lasted decades?

1. Why did the president end travel restrictions specifically for religious groups and students?
2. How could this new legislation affect the travel industry?

When responding to the above questions, consider the characteristics of hospitality and the nature of tourism.

Quick Trip 10.1 Helping or Hurting

As you will likely remember, President Obama ran with the campaign slogan of "Change". Say what you will about him politically but in the instance of American relations with Cuba, something has indeed changed. In January of 2011, President Obama announced that he will now allow religious groups to visit Cuba and aid in any way they see fit. He also has broken down restrictions allowing students from accredited universities to visit the communist-run nation. Although these changes will not end the long-standing US trade embargo, the rules have been modified. Obama believes that these more lenient restrictions make it easier for Americans to support the people who have been oppressed by Communism for so many decades. This decision has been highly controversial. Many are criticizing the president saying that this relaxed relationship does nothing to discourage the Castro regime from their tyrannical arrangement. 

Source(s): https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-12197939