Globus Goes to Cuba… New OFAC License Allows for the Introduction of Two People-to-People Programs

Shrouded in mystery for the past 50 years, the island nation of Cuba is waiting to be rediscovered. Now, Globus is presenting travelers with a rare opportunity to experience the colorful history and lively culture of this captivating nation with two NEW itineraries: Undiscovered Cuba (9 days) and Cuba's Charming Colonial Cities & Havana (9 days).*

"We're thrilled to be among an elite group of tour companies granted a license by the US Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control, which allows us to offer small group, people-to-people educational exchange programs to Cuba," said Scott Nisbet, chief executive officer for the Globus family of brands. "We have put together two culturally interesting and diverse programs that give our travelers the rare opportunity to engage in meaningful and insightful discussions with the Cuban people."

Some examples of people-to-people activities included on Globus' new itineraries are:

Visiting a tobacco farm to meet the owner and his family, while learning about the process of growing and drying tobacco and enjoying coffee and treats in the farmer's home.

Enjoying a jazz performance at the famous La Zorra y el Cuervo Jazz Club and then meeting with the musicians to discover and share the importance of music in everyone's lives.

Having dinner at a family-owned paladar and over dessert, discussing with the owner and staff the free-enterprise system in Cuba and the U.S.

Venturing through Camagüey's Plaza del Carmen and admiring the sculptures of Martha Jimenez, the artist who lives, creates and teaches on that plaza, before visiting her home and studio to discuss the inspirations for her work, their importance to the community, and how art motivates people.

Discovering rural King Ranch (an expansion of the famous ranch of the same name in Texas) and its neighboring village, including stepping inside a small home and school to discuss rural life and education and connecting with the cowboys who call the ranch home over a barbecue lunch.

Interacting with the children and nuns who run the program at a local daycare center.

Undiscovered Cuba will give travelers the chance to spend a week in Havana, enjoying a perfect blend of historical and cultural sights while engaging with local people. The program includes partaking in a discussion on Havana's unique architecture, interacting with a variety of artist and musicians, discussing (with cigar rollers) the importance of tobacco in Cuba, meeting with students from the University of Havana, participating in a hands-on experience with the workers at a silk screening studio and more.
 
Focused on the culture and colonial cities of Cuba and its hub, Havana, Globus' second unique program (Cuba's Charming Colonial Cities & Havana) offers Americans the chance to enjoy the Cuban scenery, stories and interactions with the people from Camagüey, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Playa Girón (Bay of Pigs) and Havana.

Activities on this program include meeting members of the American Car Association; interacting with a variety of artist and musicians; a workshop at Casa de Africa discussing the African culture in Cuba and the Santeria religion; interacting with members of the Santo Angel neighborhood; meeting the dancers, teachers, and costume makers at the world-famous Camagüey Ballet Company; discussing baseball (Cuba and America's favorite pastime) with a Cuban player and more.

"Great storytelling and cultural interactions with locals can bring a destination to life," said Nisbet. "These new people-to-people programs in Cuba present an especially interesting opportunity for travelers to connect with a culture – and its amazing people – to create important and memorable interactions for all."

Globus' NEW 9-day Cuba itineraries start at $2,974 (land-only). Purchase of these itineraries requires the purchase of intra-vacation air from Globus, Miami to Cuba and return, starting at $496. Globus has set-up a special phone line for agents interested in booking one of these tours (855.522.4880). Consumers can call toll-free 866.313.2855.

Travelers can visit Globusjourneys.com/Cuba.

*Group Voyagers, Inc. (doing business as Globus), has been granted License No. CT-298139-1 by the United States Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which authorizes those who register as participants in our programs to visit Cuba legally. Our itineraries provide a full-time schedule of people-to-people educational exchange activities designed to result in meaningful interactions between our travelers and individuals in Cuba. United States law requires that all participants in our programs adhere to the full-time schedule of people-to-people activities.

ABOUT GLOBUS
With nearly 85 years of international travel expertise, Globus is the world's leading tour operator. Globus has teams of people on the ground in more than 65 countries around the world, and is an expert in providing travelers a holiday from the everyday by helping them truly experience each destination. We bring to life cultures and histories through storytelling and in-depth journeys in the heart of each city, region or country. Honored with countless industry awards, including Travel Weekly's Reader's Choice Awards three years running and Recommend magazine's Best Tour Operator to Europe for more than 10 consecutive years, Globus also unites travelers with similar interests through niche tours, including family vacations, music-oriented journeys, faith-based travel and holiday excursions. The Globus family of brands is a member of Sustainable Travel International (STI).

Consumers can book a Globus program or request brochures by visiting a preferred travel agent or by calling the following toll free number: 1.866.313.2855. For more information, please visit www.globusjourneys.com.