per my post 21, we accomplished all that by using a Cuba based agency, I don't know why some folks perpetuate the myth that it is only possible with Airbnb.
I'm traveling (from the US) under "Support the Cuban People" category...I was under the impression that Cuba based agencies are operated by the government?
They're intimidated by Cuba being a communist country, we don't speak fluent spanish, we aren't on a resort.
per my post 21, we accomplished all that by using a Cuba based agency, I don't know why some folks perpetuate the myth that it is only possible with Airbnb.
I'm traveling (from the US) under "Support the Cuban People" category...I was under the impression that Cuba based agencies are operated by the government?
They're intimidated by Cuba being a communist country, we don't speak fluent spanish, we aren't on a resort.
Why are you thinking that Cuba based agencies are operated by the government? Many folks from the US book with Cuba based agencies, no problem. I don't speak Spanish, and had no issues in Havana. Is there anything about communist governments that you're concerned might be an issue for you in Cuba? Cuba welcomes all tourists with open arms.
I'm traveling (from the US) under "Support the Cuban People" category...I was under the impression that Cuba based agencies are operated by the government?
Even if those accomodation services were run by the government (and they're not) using that OFAC excuse does not prevent you from using most government services.
Your intimidatory fears are groundless. You do realose that a million people travelled from US to Cuba last year as well as a heap more Canadians etc etc?
Thanks for the clarification. Maybe you should speak with my wife, she's the one that is nervous! Yes, I do know that Cuba is a very popular and SAFE destination for tourists. Ok maybe my joking with her that I'll probably end up in a Cuban jail doesn't help but I did reassure her we'll be fine. She insisted that I book accommodations in advance and I used AirBnB because that's what I'm familiar with. Peace of mind for her.
As I always say on my blog: problems in Cuba are multi-factoral and neither (most) visitors, nor (most) Cubans are entirely to blame. But Air BnB is a real problem....and not just here. Barcelona, NY (my hometown), Paris, Iceland and Venice....https://www.facebook.com/ConnerGo/photos/a.190047637702062.40874.139270972779729/2107697549270385/?type=3&theater
Also, the problem must be hitting them in the heart/gut/bottom line: https://skift.com/2018/04/17/airbnb-launching-an-effort-to-address-overtourism-it-helped-create/
And how interesting: Air BnB is focusing on rural areas to divert/diversify where tourist dollars go. What I said originally about the provinces.
Cheers!!
Regarding online booking, I have noticed more and more casas appearing on Booking.com, but just be aware that it charges 15% commission.....I use Booking.com as an excellent tip sheet, look at the photos, read the reviews and then try to find a direct link to the lodging. I don't feel guilty because they didn't honor their price match guarantee once when I booked with them.
I am a professional travel writer and I do not use AirBnB because of the excessive fees (to the renter, not the owner). I'm not paying a cleaning fee nor a spurious "booking fee." It's just unnecessary. Just tell me how much the damn place costs, period. I will add that I am in the minority among my friends in this regard. Air BnB rentals are a huge issue here in California because they drive out low income renters however I can't really see how that's an issue in Cuba since casa owners already have to get a license before they can even rent their spaces.
I don't get the airbnb thing... Venice had almost no permanent residents since... 1992, long before internet was widely used. It's just an incredibly attractive destination. Before AirBnb people were renting their apartments to become jewelry shops, touristy bakeries and souvenir "balconies". As far as I remember Venice (since 30 years) it was the type of place where finding a local was equivalent to winning the lottery.
Tourists love it (for one thing, it makes spending the night IN Venice and not its satellite villages affordable to more people, not just the elite that can pay the ultra expensive hotels), owners like it... who doesn't? The elite that does not need tourist money and some visitors who (like me) complain that it's just a touristy fairytale illusion. Well, don;t visit it then. But there's nothing unethical about something that both owners and tourists benefit from. As for the "heartless" invaders the sign complains about, who judges what's heartless and what is not? Maybe the locals who sold their properties are equally heartless?
Especially in the case of Cuba, AirBnb did not cause any changes. Anyone who wanted to rent the flat did so, after complying with the laws. The one change I see many home owners stressing is that now they can market their product to a broader public. Those who are not that centrally located have found a market and -most importantly- the need for a jinetero to bring in tourists has now disappeared for the most part, a relief to both visitors and owners. Visitors know what to expect in a house, don't spend hours roaming around or being dragged by shady types who in many cases blackmailed casa owners too. I don't see Airbnb doing anything different than all those e-platforms did before AirBnb and continued doing. If I were a casa owner, I'd be very happy to have another efficient tool in my hands.