Starting this week, Cubans will be able to list their homes
on Airbnb. The accommodations-listing service says there are over 1,000
listings in the country.
“For the first time in decades, licensed American travelers
will have the chance to experience authentic Cuban hospitality at homes across
the island,” Aribnb said in a post on its blog.
In the post, Airbnb said that it is “building on the rich
Cuban tradition of home sharing.”
“Cubans have been welcoming visitors into their homes for
decades,” the Airbnb said. “Casas particulares — a network of private
home stays — have been a popular choice for visitors, as well as an important
source of income for thousands of Cuban families.”
Airbnb also said that the company is “uniquely positioned to
help Cubans reap the rewards of economic growth while preserving their unique
culture.”
“When Airbnb guests stay in local neighborhoods, they bring
business to surrounding entrepreneurs — whether they be hosts, artists or even
ice cream shop owners,” Airbnb said.
Last December, the Obama administration announced plans to normalize relations with Cuba. Currently, U.S. citizens can visit Cuba if they go with an authorized group for one of 12
approved reasons, including professional, educational, religious and
humanitarian purposes.