Grand Circle Foundation Anticipates Significant Increase in Travel to Cuba by Older Americans Pending New Era of Relations

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Dec 18, 2014, 03:12 ET

BOSTON, Dec. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Harriet R. Lewis, Vice Chair of Overseas Adventure Travel and Chairman of Grand Circle Foundation, anticipates a significant increase in travel to Cuba among older Americans in light of President Obama's announcement yesterday of a new era of relations between the United States and Cuba. Lewis' charitable Grand Circle Foundation has been operating People-to-People Programs in Cuba since late 2011.

"We are beyond delighted by President Obama's announcement, especially since we believe that this new era will lead to a better life for the people of Cuba, who have so warmly welcomed our travelers these past three years," said Lewis. "Cuba holds a real fascination for many older Americans, who grew up during the Cuban Missile Crisis, so we are confident that once the changes are ushered in, we'll see a major increase in travel to Cuba."

Since November, 2011, more than 5,000 Americans have traveled to Cuba through a People-to-People Program operated through Grand Circle Foundation, the charitable arm of Overseas Adventure Travel. The 12-day program, conducted in groups of just 12-20 participants, explores Havana, Trinidad, and Cienfuegos and focuses on close and meaningful cultural exchanges between American participants and Cuban residents.

Grand Circle Foundation will continue to operate its People-to-People programs in 2015 under a license from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (#CT-2014-310986-1) and expects more than 1,000 travelers. Based on changes that occur between the United States and Cuba over the coming months and years, Lewis said that the company will certainly be open to creating additional programs.

"We will continue to operate in Cuba as we have been," said Lewis, "and we look forward to forthcoming changes that may allow us to offer even more Americans the opportunity to experience Cuba and to engage with and support the Cuban people."

About Grand Circle Foundation

Established in 1992, Grand Circle Foundation is a not for profit organization that supports educational, humanitarian and cultural organizations worldwide. It is the charitable arm of Boston-based Grand Circle Corporation, which consists of travel brands Overseas Adventure Travel, Grand Circle Travel, and Grand Circle Cruise Line that serve more than 100,000 Americans aged 50 and older each year. To-date, Grand Circle Foundation has donated or pledged $97 million USD to more than 300 humanitarian, cultural, and educational organizations worldwide, including nearly 100 schools, in 50 countries.

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SOURCE Grand Circle Foundation