Cuba calling: Travel execs seek advantage

Cuba continues to occupy a top spot in the minds of Gulf Coast port and travel executives.

The latest news: Port Manatee Executive Director Carlos Buqueras told a dinner crowd at a recent Sarasota Manatee Area Manufacturers' Association event that a Manatee-Cuba offering is a distinct possibility in the near future. Buqueras says any service would likely be an overnight ferry operation, similar to popular trips in northern Europe. The ferry, says Buqueras, would carry cars and people to Cuba. No date has been set on when, or even if, service would begin.

Still, Buqueras, hired in November to replace David McDonald, who retired, has previously said supporting travel to and from Cuba is a long-term goal. A revival of cruise-line businesses operating from, the port, which is in the northern edge of the county, is another priority.

The local chase for Cuba business isn't new. For instance, there are now at least five charter flights a week to Cuba from Tampa International Airport — up from none in early 2011. The increase stems from more customer demand, travel executives say, combined with an easing of some U.S.-Cuba travel restrictions.