By Eric Stock
CHENOA – President Barack Obama is one of a select few Americans to visit Cuba now that the U.S. is moving to lift travel restrictions there, but you can now travel there too.
Since leaving public life after a failed campaign for governor and a lawsuit accusing him of sexual harassment and other misconduct, former State Treasurer Dan Rutherford of Chenoa has headed up Pontiac-based Global Relations Travel Club that arranges tours in Cuba, by complying with federal rules which say you must meet certain criteria for being allowed to go.
PODCAST: Listen to Scott’s interview with Rutherford on WJBC.
Rutherford told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin it will take years to build the Cuban infrastructure to handle a flood of American tourists, even if U.S. airlines are ready to start flying there.
“I think that’s great, I’m all about having that happen,” Rutherford said. “It would make it a lot easier to get there, but before you get there you want to be sure you have a place to stay
that’s going to be the biggest challenge, in my opinion, for the next three to four years.”
He added tourists from other countries are booking hotel rooms up to 18 months in advance.
Rutherford said Americans are well liked in Cuba and its streets are safer than Chicago.
Rutherford said while it will be years before American businesses start opening in Cuba, he expects American technology and construction companies will play a large role in building the island nation’s infrastructure.
“Today, there is no Marriott or Hyatt or Hilton,” Rutherford said. “I believe some day there will be you don’t have Starbucks and McDonalds and others. That I think will probably be a long way from coming.”
Rutherford added an influx of American visitors can only help Cuba.
“The best way to help bring about change in a positive way for the people is sell them blue jeans and Mickey Mouse watches,” Rutherford said. “Don’t let a food embargo be the reason they don’t like America.”
More information is available at www.globalrelations.us.
Eric Stock can be reached at eric.stock@cumulus.com.
