CRI听力:Americans Flocking to Cuba after Travel Ban is Lifted

U.S travel agencies have reported a surge in Americans wanting to visit Cuba after US President Barack Obama decided to lift the travel ban on the neighbouring island nation.

Tom Popper is working with Insight Cuba, a travel agency in New York.

"Generally this time of year we will have somewhere around 500 or 600 travellers booked already in advance for the next year, for 2015. Over the last couple of weeks and really just due to increased demand and increased interest we already have one-thousand passengers booked for 2015. That number is growing by double and almost triple digits each week."

U.S travel restrictions on Cuba, that were enforced 54 years ago, ended on Friday after the US government decided to re-establish diplomatic ties with Cuba.

The U.S Commerce and Treasury departments have announced new rules which allow US citizens to visit Cuba without special permits, as long as they go for approved reasons such as business or family visits.

Most US travelers will still be required to go on supervised group trips.