NEW YORK—Booking.com plans to offer instantly bookable hotel properties for certain U.S. citizens traveling to Cuba. After months of work with the Cuban Authorities and local hotels, the first properties will be ready to book in the coming weeks on Booking.com, according to the company.
The company’s move follows the recent loosening of restrictions for U.S. travelers to Cuba. The announcement means that Cuba will soon become instantly bookable for U.S. travelers that meet the criteria currently approved by the U.S. government for travel to Cuba. At the outset, properties will be available in Havana and consumers can book instantly. Plans are in place to increase the number of properties in Havana and other areas of the country as well.
“Cuba is a beautiful, culture-rich country that many travelers are keen to visit,” said Todd Dunlap, managing director, Americas, Booking.com. “At Booking.com, we are on a constant mission to bring our customers everything they want to help them experience the world. With the news of the easing of U.S. travel restrictions, we began working immediately with the local Cuban government, tourism authorities and our local hotel partners to launch the first platform to allow travelers to book and confirm instantly with the click of a button. They have been great partners for us on this journey and we are thrilled to be able to facilitate new experiences for U.S. travelers.”