Summit County Citizens Voice

New federal licensing program enables tour companies to set up cultural immersion and people-to-people travel packages

Havana, Cuba. PHOTO COURTESY YMT VACATIONS.

View of Havana from El Morro. PHOTO COURTESY YMT VACATIONS.

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Changes in U.S. policy on travel to Cuba have enabled companies like YMT Vacations to introduce new tours under federal license aimed an enhancing cultural understanding.

Getting the needed permits took six months, but was worth the process, said YMT Vacations VP of marketing Richard Genovese. The 9-night cultural immersion features an in-depth exploration of Havana and Santa Clara as well as cultural and educational activities designed to give program participants a meaningful understanding of the island nation. Departures begin Sept. 4, 2012.

“Our new Cuba program is truly unique as it allows value-oriented travelers the opportunity to visit a destination that was closed off for many years,” said Jerre Fuqua, President of YMT Vacations, which caters to discerning mature travelers.

The nine-night cultural immersion program is billed as a people-to-people experience with a a full-time program of educational and cultural exchange activities to promote contact and interaction with the Cuban people.

The program includes a visit to Old Havana & Revolucion Plaza, Jose Fuster’s House, Ernest Hemmingway’s Farm, the Che Guevara Museum, and a tobacco farm for cigar rolling lessons. Guests will also have the opportunity to interact with locals and participate in painting and dance classes.

Priced from $1999 per person for September departures, YMT’s Cuba, People & Culture program includes 8-nights of hotel accommodation (1-night in Miami, 5-nights in Havana, 2-nights in Santa Clara), a full program of cultural exchange activities, 15-meals as noted in itinerary, a professional tour manager, roundtrip charter flights from Miami to Cuba, baggage handling, and required Cuban visa and fee.

Filed under: Travel, world news Tagged: | Cuba, cultural exchange, Havana, Travel