New rules to ease the embargo will make it easier for airlines to do business in Cuba

U.S.-based airlines can now negotiate directly with Cuban airlines to lease space on the island, Travel Pulse reports. Carriers can also form code-sharing deals with their Cuban counterparts. The Caribbean destination, for decades off limits to American travelers, is under unprecedented strain with record number of visitors arriving a year after the U.S. eased restrictions to travel there, Reuters reports. Industry experts worry the island will be unable to absorb an even greater surge of tourists when scheduled U.S. commercial airline and ferry services start this year.