Airbnb adds cuban accommodation to line-up

Airbnb has become one of the first US companies to offer accommodations for licensed US travelers in Cuba.

Tourists can now choose from over 1,000 listings across the island through the community-driven hospitality site. The announcement from Airbnb follows the relaxation of travel restrictions to Cuba by President Obama in January. This week, Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro met, marking the first time the two countries had held formal talks in over half a century.

"When we founded Airbnb in 2008, our dream was to help create a world where you could belong anywhere, and that vision has taken root in almost every country in the world," says Airbnb co-founder Nathan Blecharczyk. "For over 50 years, Cuba has been out of reach for most Americans. We couldn’t be more excited that licensed US travelers will now be able to experience the unique culture and warm hospitality that makes the island so special through our new Cuban community."