Havana, January 31 (RHC-Granma)-- A group of U.S. tourism companies insisted during a press conference this week in Havana that their country's citizens can continue to visit Cuba, since it is well known as a safe destination, and trips are not prohibited despite the Trump administration's new policies.

Executives from travel agencies, hotel chains, airlines, and cruise line companies expressed their interest in continuing commercial relations with Cuba.

Terry Dale, CEO of the U.S. Tour Operators Association (USTOA), affirmed, "The message is that Cuba is open for business, it is safe, marvelous, and legal for travelers from the United States."

During 2017, some 620,000 travelers from the United States visited Cuba, the majority expressing their satisfaction with the experience and the country's secure environment, despite the State Department's travel warning that U.S. citizens should "reconsider" plans to visit the island.