Cuban hospitality industry presses on in the face of U.S. threats

Reuters - Foreign companies are challenging the new measures announced by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump on Cuba by continuing to operate and even expand their investments in hotels on the island nation. The U.S. administration last month announced a long-dormant section of the 1996 Helms-Burton Act would take effect on May 2 as it ratcheted up the pressure on the socialist governments of Venezuela and Cuba. Under Title III of the Helms Burton Act, waived by previous presidents, anyone whose property was nationalised after the 1959 Cuban Revolution, even if they were not U.S. citizens at the time, can sue any individuals or companies profiting from their former holdings. The measures, directed toward foreign investment and tourism, could harm future investments in the island. Cuba charges Title III violates international law because its nationalization of property was legal and also because Cuban-Americans were not U.S. citizens when their properties were taken. Canada, the European Union and other countries charge the United States has no jurisdiction over their citizens' activity in Cuba and they will take the issue to the World Trade Organization, among other actions.