Cuban Cigar Factories Close to Visitors

Source from:  Cigar Aficionado 12/05/2011

Cuba's cigar factories have been closed to tourist visits. According to Habanos S.A., the exporter of all Cuban cigars, the decision was made by Tabacuba, the governing agency for Cuba's cigar factories. Previously the Partagás, La Corona and H. Upmann cigar factories were open to tourists who paid a fee of 10 CUC ($10) for a tour. The policy is being reviewed. There's no indication the policy will be revised, but Habanos has acknowledged that a Cuban cigar factory is one of the highlights of many casual tourists' visits to the island. So, expect to see some kind of accommodation in the future. Those going to Cuba's Habanos Festival in February, as well as accredited journalists, are still allowed to visit, but such trips are by appointment only and must be arranged in advanced. Enditem