Congresswoman Kathy Castor released the following statement today regarding the inaugural flight from Tampa International Airport to Havana, and the need to focus on economic growth tied to the “gateway to Cuba” plan:

“Today is an historic, eagerly awaited and much-worked-for day for Cuban-American families and the entire Tampa Bay community. The next step is to market Tampa as a ‘gateway to Cuba’ and create jobs for our small-business owners in the tourism sector.

“Two weeks ago, I convened a ‘gateway to Cuba’ brainstorming session with the Ybor Chamber of Commerce, West Tampa Chamber of Commerce, Tampa Bay & Company, Ybor City Development Corp. and business owners to discuss the ‘gateway’ concept. Our goal is to market Tampa to families, educational groups and cultural organizations traveling to Cuba as a jumping-off point to the island nation. They can learn about Cuba, participate in language and other immersion courses, eat in our restaurants and stay in our hotels. Doing so will create jobs here in travel and tourism, and our small businesses will benefit.

“The new air service from Tampa International to Cuba is also great news for our community’s economic future and cultural, educational and religious organizations that can now travel more freely to the island nation. The Florida Orchestra has a trip planned from Tampa in the coming weeks, and this is just the beginning.”