That makes travelers from the United States the second biggest group visiting Cuba after Canadians, with Italians and Germans next on the list.Īcademic and religious travel from the U.S. Anyone is eligible if they go with an authorized group.Ĭuban officials say privately they expect as many as 500,000 visitors from the United States annually, though most are expected to be Cuban-Americans visiting relatives under rules relaxed in 2009. Tens of thousands went each year under people-to-people licenses from 2000 to 2003. They will target wealthy, educated Americans who can afford to spend thousands of dollars on a 10-day tour. Many approved tours will likely be run by museums, university alumni associations and other institutions.

'The subject matter is virtually limitless.' 'You can go on forever,' said Robert Muse, a Washington lawyer who represents several groups that have applied for licenses to operate the trips.

'Soon Americans can go salsa dancing in Cuba legally!' trumpeted a recent press release for one would-be tour operator. Architecture aficionados could explore Havana's stately, but crumbling cityscape. Art connoisseurs could visit studios, galleries and museums. In the past, people-to-people travel has included jazz tours, where participants meet with musicians during the day and take in jam sessions at night.

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