A survey by a top travel insurer found that despite
interest in Cuba as a destination, 70% of travelers are currently unlikely to visit
Cuba.
Only 7% list themselves as “very likely” to visit Cuba,
with 22% “somewhat likely.” Of that
group, only 4% plan to visit in 2016, with another 10% planning a trip in 2017.
The survey, conducted by Allianz Global Assistance during
President Obama’s recent visit to Cuba, found that 42 % of Americans would like
to visit Cuba and that the easing of travel restrictions made 35% more
interested in the prospect of legally traveling to the country.
Obstacles cited by the 70% who said they were not likely
to visit included safety concerns (44%), fear of a communist government (15 %),
a lack of information on Cuba travel experiences (18%), substandard travel
infrastructure (12%), poor Internet/mobile connectivity (7%) or a lack of
appropriate healthcare facilities (6%).
The Allianz survey said that of the factors that would
attract them to travel to Cuba, 33% said that beach resorts would make them
more interested. That is well ahead of
Cuba’s cultural attractions (24%), the Cuban people (12%), Cuban food and rum
(11%), classic 1950s American cars (9%), Cuban cigars (5%) and family and friends
(5%).
Allianz said 15% of those surveyed said having travel
insurance would make them more interested in traveling to Cuba.