Tampa - New Gateway to Cuba!

TAMPA, Fla., March 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Tampa International Airport gets the green light to accept flights to and from Cuba.  Today, the Airport has received its official approval from U.S. Customs and Border Protection to operate Cuba flights.

TPA becomes the next gateway to Cuba in the U.S. following Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK) and Miami (MIA).  Three licensed charter operators have formally indicated their intention to provide service to Cuba from Tampa which includes Air MarBrisa, Island Travel & Tours, Ltd., and ABC Charter.

The State of Florida, by U.S. Census statistics, has the largest Cuban-American population in the entire nation and the Tampa Bay service area is ranked second in the nation only to the Miami-Dade County service area.

"We are very excited to be named a new gateway airport for Cuba. This announcement will result in much easier and more efficient travel for our considerable Cuban-American community," stated Joe Lopano, CEO, Tampa International Airport.

"I wish to thank the President and his administration for allowing more points of entry into Cuba. The new policies will better enable the tens of thousands of Cuban-Americans in our City to reunite with their families whom they may not have seen for decades," stated Steven Burton, Vice Chairman, Tampa International Airport.

The modified travel restrictions to Cuba state "purposeful" travel.  Passengers must have close relatives in Cuba or must be involved in medical and agriculture business sectors; or traveling for education and religious activities. The Airport expects to offer flights by summer or early fall.

SOURCE Tampa International Airport

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