Priceline Group subsidiary Booking.com has struck a deal to become the first US owned online travel agency to offer instant bookings for Cuban hotel rooms.
This is the result of several months’ work in discussions with the relevant Cuban authorities and local hotel operators, the company says.
"With the news of the easing of U.S. travel restrictions, we began working immediately with the local Cuban government, tourism authorities and our local hotel partners to launch the first platform to allow travelers to book and confirm instantly with the click of a button," said Todd Dunlap, managing director for the Americas, Booking.com.
"At Booking.com, we are on a constant mission to bring our customers everything they want to help them experience the world."
Dunlap said it will list hotels in Havana only to begin with, including those of European hospitality firms Accor, Melia Hotels and NH Hotel Group.
The only other US entity currently offering accommodation services in Cuba is home sharing platform Airbnb.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide also announced deals to take over three existing hotels in Havana.
