As interest in the people-to-people educational programs in Cuba continues to grow, so, too, does the field of tour operators that are licensed and authorized to offer these specialized programs.

Believe it or not, tourists are going to visit tropical destinations regardless of opinions branded about by alleged expert travelers. And although publicists tend to over-saturate the hype on individual island paradises, many are indisputably the most alluring to visit.

Cuba is expected to receive a boom in visitors from the United States after the Obama administration took a series of steps to normalize relations between the two countries. At present travel is heavily restricted, with direct commercial flights banned, special visas compulsory and visitors required to join strictly controlled groups.

This week will see the start to the island’s 2014/2015 Winter Tourism Season, and the prospects that a better showing will provide a fillip for more growth in the economy. In particular, it will be a test for the proposed turnaround of tourism, as highlighted by key industry players.

Well over one million air seats have been secured to accommodate the influx of tourists who are expected to visit Jamaica during the highly anticipated Winter Tourist Season, which officially starts on Monday, December 15.

Tauck, the Norwalk, Conn.-based tour operator, unveiled a new longer and more intensive Cuba program that explores more of the country beyond Havana than its previous offering, which began operating in 2012.