Could US Talks With Cuba Lead To Lifting The Embargo?

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- Cuban President Raul Castro says he's ready to talk with the U.S. The White House recently relaxed restrictions on Cuban-Americans who want to send money to their families or visit the country. Now, many are hoping for a lift to the embargo.

If that were to happen, it would have a major impact, not only on Cuban-Americans, but on travel and business.

Cuba is known for its cigars. We haven't seen any here in America-- at least legally-- in 50 years. Manny Hidalgo hopes it will soon change.

Hidalgo's parents are Cuban exiles. He wants to see it easier for Cuban-Americans to visit the country. He's also passionate about hope for a better future for Cubans.

"Lets talk not about repatriation and not about getting property back. No, lets talk about releasing political prisoners. Lets talk about free market reforms. Lets talk about the degree of privatization that needs to happen in that economy for people to be able to eat," Hidalgo said.

Ending the embargo would likely lead to an influx of American tourists. Vivianne Pommier says she already has the ability to book hotels in Cuba. The problem, is getting a flight.

"For people that we've booked, we've been able to book them through air Jamaica, it goes through Montego Bay," she said.

If more people visit Cuba, the nation's economy would most likely improve. And business like travel agencies and airlines would benefit from a likely rush to visit the country.

There are other companies that would also benefit. Mike Copperman at Bethesda Tobacco says if embargo is lifted, we can expect a tobacco boom.

"The idea of being able to partake in that forbidden fruit, I think would be really compelling," Copperman said.

The Congressional Black Caucus recently took a trip to Cuba and is encouraging President Obama to lift the trade embargo on Cuba.