A recent public meeting held at the Tampa International Airport was very informative, but short on substance. The main topic was the desire for more international flights into Tampa. Specific markets targeted are Panama and Cancun. Over 40 interested individuals from various business development groups, tourism representatives, businesses, and more attended for a long afternoon of information. Louis Miller, Executive Director, of the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority was the main focus of the meeting. His experience and knowledge about the entire air transportation industry is remarkable. The clear objective from the meeting was to focus on what the airlines are seeking in order to evaluate new routes and to provide information about new potential routes to be identified as soon as possible. Concerns were expressed about the low cost fares in Tampa that discourages potentially profitable routes as well as the loyalty that frequent flier miles have created that is a hindrance to new routes being provided by new carriers into the Tampa market. Tampa International Airport is one of Tampa Bay's treasures. This well designed and managed facility is continually growing and changing. The knowledge shared at the public meeting was well worth the attendance.

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