HOLLYWOOD, FL—Vacation exchange company RCI is offering travel options to Cuba through a new alliance with Cuba Travel Services. According to RCI, the relationship is a first in the timeshare exchange industry.
RCI Platinum members in the U.S. will now have access to “people-to-people” educational tour packages designed and operated by Cuba Travel Services. With an initial pilot of the tours providing two customized itineraries, RCI Platinum members and their guests can book five- and seven-night rental packages beginning this summer. The packages include charter flights from Miami to Havana, accommodations in Havana and Varadero, educational people-to-people activities, select meals and assistance with travel documents and license requirements.
“We are so excited to be entering a new destination with our foray into Cuba,” said Gordon Gurnik, president of RCI. “With recent changes to travel regulations, there is an amazing opportunity for Americans to visit Cuba and experience a new culture.
“We know people are looking for ways to visit, with new data from MMGY Global reporting that 19% of all U.S. adults said they would consider taking a vacation to Cuba within the next two years,” Gurnik continued. “With that type of enthusiasm, we wanted to give RCI Platinum members a way to experience this new destination with this initial tour program.”
According to RCI, Cuba Travel Services is a travel service provider headquartered in Cypress, CA, and is one of the leading providers of “people-to-people” educational tours to Cuba. “People-to-people” travel is one of the educational activities that are approved forms of travel for Americans visiting Cuba.
“We were so happy to join RCI in offering specially designed Cuba itineraries to RCI Platinum members,” said Michael Zuccato, general manager of Cuba Travel Services. “For years, our team has been creating amazing travel experiences in Cuba, and we are so excited to begin offering these options to vacation exchange members. The Cuban culture and the beauty of the country make for truly memorable trips, and we are confident RCI’s members will love traveling there as much as we do.”