Tokyo, August 21 (RHC-EFE)-- Japanese travel agencies are increasing travel offers to Cuba following an increase in demand. From October, travel company JTB will increase tour packages from five to eight, following a five-fold increase in bookings to Cuba, economic daily Nikkei reported Friday.

Travelers have shown special interest in Old Havana, designated a World Heritage site in 1982.

T he developments come as relations between U.S. and Cuba were recently re-established, and many tourists in Japan and other countries think an influx of American visitors and funds will reshape the Cuban tourism offer.

Other companies are taking similar initiatives with growing interest in the Caribbean island. Hankyu Travel began to promote its packages to Cuba in July, a month earlier than last year, and received 40% more applications than usual,

Nikkei said.

Tokyo-based KNT is refining its Cuban offers, often including joint tours to Mexico, and also holding information sessions for potential travelers at the Cuban embassy in Tokyo.

Travel company H.I.S. plans to restart guided tours to the Caribbean island, and Nippon Travel Agency has begun selling slots for tours in October.