Havana - Tourism Minister Manuel Marrero highlighted today the important space for the commercialization of this recreational destination separated by the platforms of North American company Expedia Incorporated.

Marrero told the Cuban News Agency (ACN) that this firm leads the world in online travel bookings and already operates in the island's market.

Cuba joined a valuable network at the international level where promoting the Cuban tourist destination is feasible, referring to the recent entry to this North American group, when Havana expects to surpass four million foreign visitors in 2016, he said.

One element to take into account in that relation is the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States for more than 50 years, a policy that limits Cuba's access to the large advertising firms, the minister said.

About the issue, he meant that there are some limitations, such as the impossibility of using U.S. dollar in international transactions.

Despite this, companies from both countries are looking for ways to work together, and cited the management of the Four Points Hotel by Sheraton in Havana, of the American chain Starwood.

About two million foreign visitors have so far arrived in Cuba in 2017, 39 days earlier, compared with last year.

Official data states that about 68 airlines linking 70 cities worldwide are flying to Cuba, and nearly 25 ships are operating in terms of cruise ships, with 265 stopovers and more than 170,000 passengers.