In his opinion, if the embargo is lifted, Havana could be among the top 10 destination ports in about five years.
Cuban businessman Frank del Rio, CEO and president of Norwegian Cruise Line, plans to travel to the island the same afternoon that the United States lifts the embargo to visit his childhood home and meet with tourism and port officials, reports the Spanish newspaper El País.
Norwegian, one of the world's largest cruise companies, has requested permission from US authorities to operate trips to Cuba.
Del Rio left the island with his parents when he was only seven years old, shortly after the failed Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961.
The time has come to "do something new," he says about the US restrictions in statements to El País.
In his view, there is a great business opportunity ahead in the tourism sector. “Cuba was created for cruise ships,” he says; “we just need water. We already have the infrastructure.”.
“It will be very rewarding to return and see Cuba grow over the next two decades if the embargo is finally lifted,” he says.
“We cruise lines will be the catalysts, the first ones we can help develop a new tourism industry and integrate into the market economy,” he speculates. He believes Cuba’s entry into the business will be beneficial for the region. “There will be a symbiotic relationship with the other destinations,” he predicts.
The impact on the island's economy will be "immediate," he says, although he admits that adequate transport infrastructure is needed to take visitors "to its unique treasures.".
According to Del Rio, in five years Havana could easily become one of the top 10 destination ports, alongside Barcelona or Rome, if the major American cruise lines were able to operate there.
The businessman already has a draft route in mind that he could open immediately, for a 12-day itinerary. “I’m sure our competitors have theirs,” he says.
