Marriott International has been given approval by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the US Department of the Treasury to pursue a business transaction in Cuba.
The company said it is in discussions to develop a hospitality relationship with potential partners. The announcement was made during President Barack Obama’s historic trip to Cuba.
Marriott president and chief executive officer Arne Sorenson is travelling with US Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker during the president’s visit to Cuba.
The company’s objectives in Cuba include entering the hospitality sector with Marriott brands, providing hospitality training for Cuban nationals, helping to generate new economic opportunities for businesses supplying the hospitality industry, and as a corporate citizen, supporting opportunities for youth, women and other communities.
“We have long been convinced that with the right frameworks in place, new economic opportunities, including dramatically expanded travel, abound in Cuba,” said Sorenson.
“These could deliver real benefits to the Cuban people and also have the effect of bringing both Americans and Cubans closer together.”
Marriott approved for Cuba business
