Japanese Travel Companies Increase Tourist Offers to Cuba

Japanese travel agencies are increasing travel offers to Cuba following an increased demand as relations normalized between U.S. and Cuba recently.

From October, travel company JTB will increase tour packages from five to eight, following a five-fold increase in bookings to Cuba, economic daily Nikkei reported Friday.

Travelers have shown special interest in Old Havana, designated a World Heritage site in 1982.

"Many travelers fear that an influx of American funds will be the end of the old city," the company told Nikkei, because of which they "wish to experience the place before they no longer can."

Other companies are taking similar initiatives with growing interest in the Caribbean island.

Hankyu Travel began to promote its packages to Cuba in July, a month earlier than last year, and received 40% more applications than usual, Nikkei said.

Tokyo-based KNT is refining its Cuban offers, often including joint tours to Mexico, and also holding information sessions for potential travelers at the Cuban embassy in Tokyo.

Travel company H.I.S. plans to restart guided tours to the Communist nation, and Nippon Travel Agency has begun selling slots for tours in October.

However, Japanese companies will face stiff competition in securing hotel rooms and other accommodation needs of its clients owing to an increase in visitors from the U.S. and other nations.