YBOR CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
CUBA / YBOR CITY INITIATIVE
The Chamber has been approached by many groups suggesting an Initiative regarding the parallels of Ybor
City and Cuba’s history, culture, and heritage. The time to explore these opportunities could not be better.
The suggestion of the possibility of a Cuban Consulate in Tampa, preferably Ybor City, is stronger than ever!
Our friends at the Tucker/Hall Public Relations Firm have developed a website chronicling José Marti's
activities josemartitrail.org This has brought about the chance to provide for a combined effort of the Ybor
Chamber, The Ybor Museum, and Chamber member Tucker/Hall to increase our exposure both nationally and
internationally. The initial conversations have opened up avenues to explore these cultural similarities
between Havana and Ybor City. Some of the exciting events that have been discussed and planned are
outlined below.
José Martí Trail - Ybor City
The Apostle of the Cuban Revolution, José Martí was born on January 28, 1853. He
showed a talent for writing and revolutionary politics at an early age. First exiled from
Cuba in 1871, Martí spent much of his life abroad. In 1895, he returned to Cuba to
continue the fight for Cuba’s independence. During his visits to Tampa, José Martí
spent time in Ybor City’s cigar factories and social clubs, and stayed with some of
Ybor’s most prominent Cuban and Afro-Cuban families. The José Martí Trail
highlights those locations.
Ybor After Work - August 20, 2015 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Join fellow Chamber members and Guests for Ybor Chamber’s Ybor After Work at the
Ybor City Visitor Information Center. Our speaker will be Luciano Prida of Prida,
Guida & Company, P.A. Lou is a Tampa native and recently visited Cuba and will talk
about his experiences there. The event is free to members who RSVP in advance.
There will be free hors d'oeuvres, cash bar, stimulating conversation, networking and a
good time.
Trip to Havana Cuba - Friday September 25 – Tuesday September 29, 2015
A cultural exchange trip is scheduled to visit Havana, Cuba. This is a specially
designed program for the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce offering a unique and
intimate introduction to the Cuban cultural experience and the island’s emerging
business potential. This is a great occasion to realize the similarities of Havana and
Ybor City and discover the shared obligation to protect our historic treasures. See the
attached Proposed Itinerary.
Eusebio Leal - Visit to Ybor City - October 2015
We are delighted to announce the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce will be bringing
Cuba’s greatest Historian, Eusebio Leal to visit Ybor City. Mr. Leal will discuss his
endeavors to restore Old Havana. Señor Leal is the Havana City Historian, Director of
the Restoration Program of Old Havana and its Historical Center and a Specialist in
Archeological Sciences. His knowledge and experience in preservation is recognized
around the world. It would be a great honor to have a man of his stature speak to the
Chamber about his efforts. To learn more about Eusebio Leal visit www.eusebioleal.cu/ .
His visit to Tampa / Ybor City will be in early October.
YBOR CITY CHAMBER - HAVANA TRIP - PROPOSED DRAFT ITINERARY
People to People Cultural Program and Tour
DAY 1 – FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2015
09:30 AM Check in Tampa International Airport, Airside Blue, ABC Charters JetBlue counters.
Depart Tampa International Airport.
Arrive at José Martí International Airport, Havana.
Group welcomed by Havanatur representative.
Bus tour to Plaza de La Revolucion one of the world’s most famous city plazas, where monument to José Martí overlooks the city.
Lunch at El Aljibe, famous government owned restaurant known for baked chicken, black beans and rice.
Check in to Hotel Nacional.
Meet with a Minister from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba. ( MINREX ).
Dinner at La Barraca government owned restaurant in the garden of the Hotel Nacional.
DAY 2 – SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 26, 2015
Full Breakfast at Hotel
Walking tour of Old Havana, with English speaking guide, UNESCO World Heritage Site and visit world famous plazas.
Lunch at Café del Oriente.
Private tour to Jose Fuster Art Gallery. Mr. Fuster’s work is clearly visible throughout the entire neighborhood of Jaimanita.
Dinner at La Moraleja, a private sector restaurant known as a Paladar.
DAY 3 – SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2015
Full breakfast at Hotel.
Day trip to Varadero, driving through Cuban countryside.
Tour DuPont Museum.
Lunch at the Xanadu Mansion built in 1923, Irénée DuPont.
Tour of local Art Markets.
Dinner at Los Mercaderes a private sector restaurant known as a Paladar in Old Havana.
DAY 4 – MONDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2015
Full breakfast at hotel.
Meet with the Cuba Chamber of Commerce.
Meet with the Economic Department of University of Havana.
Lunch at El Litoral, a private sector restaurant known as a Paladar.
Meet with La Oficina del Historiador de La Habana.
Meet with La Sociedad Cultural José Martí .
Visit to San Jose flea market one of the most famous handicraft markets of Old Havana souvenirs by local artisans.
Dinner at your leisure.
DAY 5 – TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 29, 2015
08:30AM Depart Hotel for José Martí International Airport (must be checked out and on bus).
Check in José Martí International Airport, American Airline.
Depart José Martí International Airport.
12:00PM Arrive at Tampa International Airport.
PRICE PER PERSON:
Chamber Member:
$ 2,400.00 per person double occupancy
$ 2,700.00 per person single occupancy
Non Member:
$2,650.00 per person double occupancy
$2,950.00 per person single occupancy
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Round trip Airfare, Tampa to Havana and Airport Departure Taxes
- Cuban Visa
- United States Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Authorization
- Full Time Itinerary of People to People Cultural Activities
- Four Nights lodging at historic Hotel Nacional
- Full Breakfast Everyday - Four Lunches - Three Dinners
- Modern Air Conditioned Bus/Van for Ground Transportation while in Cuba
- Museum and Cover Charge Fees
- Individual Medical Insurance
- English Speaking Tour Guide
- Travel Agent Fees
- Planning and Administrative Costs
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS:
Danielle Moreda, Ybor Chamber of Commerce
Telephone: 813.248.3712
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.Ybor.org
Vicente Amor, Executive Vice President, ASC International USA
4803 S. Himes Ave., Tampa, FL 33611
Website: www.travel2cuba.us
Let us know right away if you plan to travel with us on this historic trip as seating is limited. Make check payable to the
Ybor City Chamber of Commerce and mail to, 1800 E. 9th Avenue, Tampa, Florida, 33605 no later than August 25, 2015.
YBOR CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
CUBA / YBOR CITY INITIATIVE
ASC INTERNATIONAL USA
VISA AND TRAVEL APPLICATION
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This is a special trip organized by Cuba experts just for the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce.
Because time is very short, please mail your full payment to the Chamber as soon as possible and no later than August 25, 2015.
Include with your payment, a clear photocopy of your passport, mothers maiden name, mailing address - (not a P.O. Box) , email
address, cell phone number and an emergency contact number.
After September 1, 2015, there will be no cancellations or refunds unless for an emergency.
Required Travel Documents
- Current Passport with six months validity remaining
- Completed and signed Visa and Travel Application
- Check made out and sent to Chamber in Full for the Trip
Full Name (as it appears on passport) ____________________________________________________________________________
Passport Number ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Home Address _____________________________________________________________________________________________
Date of Birth _______________________ Place of Birth ____________________________ Gender ________________________
Citizenship __________________________________ Mother’s Maiden Name __________________________________________
Email _____________________________ Telephone ________________________________ Mobile _______________________
Emergency Contact and Phone Number _________________________________________________________________________
Accommodations - Single Room or Double Room - Roommate’s Name ________________________________________________
Previous Trips to Cuba _______________ Level of Spanish ______________________ Occupation _________________________
“I understand that this program is authorized under regulations published by the U.S. Department of Treasury/OFAC and certify I
will comply with all OFAC regulations.”
Signature ____________________________________________
Date _______________________________________________
PRICE PER PERSON:
Chamber Member:
$ 2,400.00 per person double occupancy
$ 2,700.00 per person single occupancy
Non Member:
$2,650.00 per person double occupancy
$2,950.00 per person single occupancy
MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO:
Ybor City Chamber of Commerce and mail or deliver to,
1800 E. 9th Avenue, Tampa, Florida, 33605
Checks must be received no later than August 25, 2015.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS:
Danielle Moreda, Ybor Chamber of Commerce
Telephone: 813.248.3712
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.Ybor.org
Vicente Amor, Executive Vice President, ASC International USA
4803 S. Himes Ave., Tampa, FL 33611
Website: www.travel2cuba.us