Cuba, Havana.
This is a revolution of another kind.
Starwood Hotels and Resorts has just announced a management contract with two Cuban hotels with a third awaiting the final ink, the first US hotel enterprise to operate there since the 1959 revolution.
Booking.com, part of the vast Priceline online empire, is now offering instant bookings at several Cuban hotels, the first US travel agency to negotiate a deal with the island's government.
US President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro review troops before bilateral meetings at the Palace of the Revolution.Credit: Getty Images
Cruise leviathan Carnival Corp will launch its first sailing to Cuba in May, a bi-weekly cruise under Carnival's new social impact-focused Fathom brand.
Two other cruise giants, Royal Caribbean Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line are awaiting visiting rights and expecting a speedy outcome.
Google is negotiating with the Cuban government to expand internet access, currently available to just 5 per cent of the population.
When that happens the commercial opportunities that come with the internet will transform the Cuban economy.
Its citizens will grasp the chance to deal themselves into the hard currency market through services such as Airbnb, bar crawls in memory of Ernest Hemingway and sightseeing tours aboard Detroit chrome-mobiles for nostalgia Americanos.
How will US travellers react?
Nothing sharpens the appetite quite like once-forbidden fruit.
Cuba will be hit with a tsunami wave of US tourists.
For travellers with fond memories of a gritty, frozen-in-time but thoroughly authentic Cuba there will be a few regrets but among Cubans themselves, nothing softens discontent like a full stomach and Netflix.
Sign up for the Traveller newsletter
The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now.