By Lisa Simon, Pres. of  the National Tour Association

Travel is the perfect freedom. Through travel, Americans can see the world, experience new cultures, and gain a greater understanding of the people and places around them. Since 1982, ordinary American tourists have not been allowed to travel to Cuba. The National Tour Association, an organization of nearly 4,000 travel professionals from all over the world, believes that the federal government should not restrict travel on the basis of political ideology. Cuba offers natural beauty, colonial architecture and unique culture that all travelers should be able to experience.

Because most Americans have never traveled to Cuba, there is a huge interest in this destination. A recent poll by CNN shows that two-thirds of Americans surveyed think the U.S. should lift the travel ban, and three-quarters think the U.S. should end its estrangement with the country. NTA agrees with the findings of this poll and will continue to take steps to ensure all Americans have the freedom to travel wherever they choose.

Legislation has been introduced in both the House and Senate to lift the travel ban to Cuba. President Obama has already ended restrictions on travel to Cuba by Cuban-American relatives of residents of Cuba. NTA will continue to support the right of all Americans to travel to Cuba. If you believe it is your right to travel anywhere in the world, urge your Congressman to support travel to Cuba by signing this petition.