'This represents a step backwards and a strong attack on the freedom of travel,' UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai said.
'This decision will have limited impact on Cuba’s tourism development, yet it will substantially affect the US economy and American jobs. Many US companies have started to invest in and do business with Cuba in view of the immense potential of Cuban tourism, which other countries will surely continue to benefit from,' he added.
Tourism is one of the key economic sectors in Cuba, supporting many livelihoods and drawing significant interest from foreign investors, which UNWTO said will surely continue being the case.
In 2016 Cuba received over 4m international visitors, a growth of more than 1m in only five years.
US-based cruise ships will still be able to visit under the Trump administration's new rules.
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