Obama to lift travel ban to Cuba

(06 January 2009)

President-elect Barack Obama has pledged to allow “Cuban American family travel”.

The plans are initially designed to allow Cuban Americans to see their families, but may well grow to extend to all Americans, it is reported.

The Brookings Institution, a respected independent US research organisation has recommended that Cuba be removed from the State Department's list of countries that sponsor terrorism and that the current travel ban be fully lifted.

Cuba has long been a favourite destination for Canadians and Europeans and the US tourist industry will no doubt welcome a move that would see Americans enjoying great beaches, excellent fishing and, of course, real Cuban cigars.