By CGTN's Steve Mort

With a total export value of 247 million US dollars to Cuba last year alone, US businesses are closely watching President Donald Trump’s overhauling of Barack Obama's deal to restore ties with Cuba.

Jason Woody, CEO of Lions Eye Institute, a producer of tissue for transplant patients, opposes a tougher US policy towards Cuba. "Even countries we're going to war with don't have the restrictions that are placed upon Cuba.”

The Trump administration is ending so-called "people-to-people" travel by individuals, which it says allows Americans to get around a US ban on tourism to Cuba. 

People can still visit as part of tour groups but some US business leaders worry many will now abandon travel plans, causing a blow to Florida's transportation hubs.

"It is a concern of the airport. The port would be impacted. Tourism, hotels, restaurants, shopping would all be impacted,” said Bob Rohrlack, president of Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce. 

Air and cruise lines, together with companies already approved to do business in Cuba, will be exempt from rules designed to cut cash flows to the military which controls much of the country's tourism and hotel industry. 

But some airlines have already slashed direct flights to Cuba due to losses and lower than anticipated demand. 

The White House says no major changes will take place until the US Treasury draws up regulations based on President Trump's directives, indicating it could be some months before any potential economic impact is felt.