Airbnb to Launch in Cuba in Major American Business Expansion
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Airbnb / ABC News(HAVANA) — In one of the first examples of American business expansion in Cuba since President Obama announced the normalizing of relations between the two nations, Airbnb announced Thursday that it would expand its operations to include the island nation.
“At Airbnb, our vision is to create a world where you can belong anywhere — no matter who you are or how far you’ve traveled,” the a post to the company’s blog read. “Today, we’re proud to welcome Cuba to the global Airbnb community. Starting this week, hosts in Cuba will list over 1,000 of their homes on Airbnb.”
Citing the embargo that had prevented most Americans from having the opportunity to travel to Cuba for over 50 years, Airbnb insists its expansion will give American travelers “the chance to experience authentic Cuban hospitality at homes across the island.”
“Hospitality isn’t a commodity in Havana,” the blog post notes, “it’s a way of life. Cubans have been welcoming visitors into their homes for decades.” The post goes on to note casas particulares, “a network of private homestays” that have been used by visitors and a source of income for Cuban families for years.
Airbnb says that the expansion will be a two-way street — giving Americans the chance to visit a newly open island with “unique culture,” while bringing business to Cuban entrepreneurs, including both the hosts and business owners nearby.
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