Cubans in favor of continued thaw

because Cuba is a very interesting destination for US people. This is not about what Donald Trump wants but rather what most US people demand,” said Mac Josselin, a US tourist in Havana.

Like Josselin, thousands of US citizens and US organizations advocate continuing the thawing bilateral ties as it contributes to the development of both nations.

“I think Trump will change the policy and we will go back to the past. It will be more difficult for US people to come to Cuba and we may see a return to confrontation, although I hope common sense prevails,” said Emilio de Leon, a CubanAmerican.

Other ideas under discussion, according to officials familiar with the matter, include guidelines that would require US citizens to formally explain how their travel to Cuba benefits the US and the Cuban people, as well as increased scrutiny of travelers and the frequency of their visits.

Travel restrictions could impact US airlines with direct flights to Cuba as well as the cruise industry.

On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Cuba “must begin to address human rights challenges” if it wants Washington to move toward more normal relations.

Cuban President Raul Castro said earlier this year that his government is willing to continue negotiating pending bilateral issues with the new US administration. However, he warned that Havana would notmakepoliticalconcessions.