• Submitted by: admin
• United States
• Business and Economy
• Politics and Government
• 05 / 05 / 2010

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CANCUN, Mexico -- Congress is closer than ever to ending the travel ban on Cuba and that could turn Central Florida into a gateway for thousands of curious tourists, but it could also create a competing travel destination and WFTV found out some local business leaders are being proactive, meeting with Cuban officials in Mexico.

WFTV reporter Jason Allen traveled to Cancun to find out what their discussions could mean for Central Florida.

In quiet conversations, travel industry power players are preparing for a situation that could drastically affect Central Florida: opening up travel to Cuba, a place most Americans have never been.

WFTV traveled to the summit in Cancun, Mexico, where travel leaders met with Cuban leaders. With bills working through Congress and President Obama already opening travel to Cuban-Americans, Florida's travel industry is planning for an end to the ban; Florida's cruise industry is already positioned to go.

Central Florida vacationers could make the island a side trip, just like they do now with the Florida Keys.

“Some people go down just for a day or couple of days. I think there's no reason why we can't do that with Cuba, as well,” said Philip Sheldon, Hanns Ebensten Travel.

Source: www.wftv.com/news/23450133/detail.html