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Thursday, Mar 28, 2024

Chamber Destination: Cuba

Few Americans have the privilege of visiting Cuba and exploring the island’s cultural treasures. But a group of businesspeople with the Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber of Commerce will travel there for a nine-day adventure, scheduled for Oct. 9-17. Nancy Hoffman Vanyek, CEO of the Greater San Fernando Valley Chamber said the trip is not a business trip, but rather a cultural mission that aims to offer participants a glimpse of what life is like in Cuba. “This is an opportunity that may not be open again,” said Hoffman Vanyek. Cuba has been closed to U.S. travelers since a 1960 embargo was enacted after Cuba nationalized all U.S. property. The embargo was partially lifted last year by President Obama, and the island is now open to certain guests of programs such as the chamber. The chamber received a specific license by The Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control, authorizing registered guests of its programs to visit Cuba legally and without the hassle of filling out an application. The Chamber’s trip can accommodate some 30 participants. Seats are filling up as word spreads about the voyage, Hoffman Vanyek said. To date, 20 people have signed up. Based on the demand, chamber officials are considering adding another tour. The cost to attend the trip is $3,799, which covers airfare, a Cuban travel visa, Cuban health insurance, accommodations in first-class hotels, meals, sightseeing, a professional Cuban bilingual guide and other expenses. Travelers will spend time in both Havana and Trinidad and explore historical sites such as the Cathedral de la Havana, Museo Fine Arts, Jagua Castle and Hemingway’s Farm. The trip will also allow travelers to mix and mingle with local merchants and residents and observe the Cuban culture. Hoffman Vanyek said she is looking forward to visiting a place with so much history behind it. “It’s very old,” she said. “They don’t have new cars. It’s very much like it was 40 years ago.” Other chambers planning trips to Cuba include Burbank, Culver City, Pasadena and Long Beach. — Angela Melero

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