MIAMI — Could Cuba become the next emerging and growth-leading country for the consumption of adult entertainment? Perhaps.
Just today, film and television series distribution giant Netflix said in a press release that it would actively market and offer its services in Cuba "as Internet access improves and credit and debit cards become more widely available."
As Netflix becomes one of the first U.S. companies to take advantage of the political rapprochement between Washington and Havana announced late last year after 50 years of frozen relations, other entertainment companies have the country on their marketing radar — even the adult ones.
Steven Hirsch, founder/co-chairman of Vivid Entertainment, said that while Vivid.com is available worldwide with those who have Internet access, his studio has had a tough time finding customers in the island country in the Caribbean.
“Unfortunately, there is not too much access yet in Cuba,” Hirsch told XBIZ.
Hirsch, however, is optimistic that accessibility will be broadened and fast-tracked for all communications providers in the nation of 11 million.
“VividTV would be sold through the Cuban cable and satellite providers,” he said. “If they decide they would like to offer adult content we would be happy to provide it."
Even Hustler is ready to offer content in the island nation, according to LFP Broadcasting President Michael Klein.
“We already offer Hustler TV and our other line-up of broadcasting channels to over 55 different countries so if an operator in Cuba is looking to add top adult channels, we will be more than willing to work with them,” Klein told XBIZ.