NOTE: We are working to reschedule this meeting to ensure we have as up-to-date and specific information as possible to help Tampa businesses maximize travel opportunities to Cuba in light of the Administration’s new policy. By holding this meeting at a later date, we also will have broader participation from the administration as we work to help charter companies, religious groups and educational organizations learn how to pursue travel opportunities to Cuba.


Congresswoman Kathy Castor will conduct an information session for business leaders, travel agents, charter companies, religious and educational organizations and others to learn more about new travel and business opportunities in relation to the Obama Administration’s Cuba policy changes.

Castor’s meeting will be held Thursday, Jan. 27 in Tampa. Details on the time and location are forthcoming. (Reporters are invited to attend.)

Representatives from the involved federal agencies, Tampa International Airport and the Tampa-based World Trade Center and others will be invited to outline the new travel regulations and the timeline for implementing charter air service to Cuba.

“Our goal is to be aggressive in creating jobs and ensuring the Tampa Bay community benefits as much as possible,” Castor said. “I am committed to working with the airport in their effort to be first in line. I am also committed to supporting our local companies as they apply for their licenses. I will help connect them with the necessary federal agencies.”

Castor encourages charter companies and airport officials to start the application process immediately.

On Friday, Castor announced that eligible Tampa Bay area families soon will be able to travel directly from Tampa International Airport to Cuba. They no longer will need to endure the additional financial and logistical hardship of traveling through the Miami airport. Castor has been working since 2008 to have Tampa International Airport designated as an entry/ exit port for charter flights to the island nation.

In addition to opening Tampa’s airport to Cuban charter flights, the Obama Administration is allowing Americans to send up to $500 four times a year to Cuban citizens. Travel opportunities also are being expanded for Americans going to Cuba for some religious and educational purposes.

“The news that Tampa International Airport can offer charter flights to Cuba is a fantastic development for our community,” Castor said. “We must take full advantage of this opportunity to bring jobs to our region and boost our local economy. This meeting will be a chance for our local businesses, travel agents and charter flight companies to learn what they need to do to rev up.”