Pasco County recently celebrated its first International Trade and Tourism Day, and plans to make it an annual tradition.
The Pasco County Commission adopted a resolution on Feb. 21 to recognize relationships between Pasco and its partners around the world and the increasing role that global trade is playing in the county’s economy.
The increasing interactions between Pasco and other parts of the world have boosted Pasco’s gross regional product and have resulted in thousands of local high-skill, high-wage jobs, the resolution says.
Setting aside a special day to celebrate each year is intended to highlight the benefits derived from global partners through their direct-foreign investments, and their contributions to Pasco through job creation and capital investment.
The resolution notes these activities by international partners “are made possible through strong partnerships with international resource partner organizations; the Association of Bi-National Chambers of Commerce; Foreign Consular Offices; the United States Department of Commerce; and Global Tampa Bay, a regional partnership between Pasco, Pinellas, and Hillsborough Counties that increases international business opportunities for local companies and markets the region globally as a top business destination.”
The resolution adds that the Pasco county board “and local trade and tourism companies continue to work together to connect with future generations, build the next generation of skilled trade and tourism employees, take charge of the public image of trade and tourism, and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the whole industry.”
Earl Trapp, who is the mayor of two towns in Belize, joined a delegation representing trade and tourism interests at the county board’s Feb. 21 meeting to accept the resolution.
The group also had its photograph taken with the county board.
Trapp told the county board: “We are very much humbled and privileged to be here this morning, at this historical moment. I want to congratulate you on your great strides in developing this International Trade and Tourism Day, something of what I believe will bring economic development to your area.
“I’m very much amazed at the many developments that have taken place over the past 20 years.
“I am sure the transformation, through your leadership, had to have come with vision, with enthusiasm, proper planning, unity and of course, had to come through support of the community.
“I’m hoping this visit today will be the beginning of building relationship among common interest for both regions, and something that will bring mutual benefits for all of us.”
Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, who advocated for the new day set aside to honor tourism and international trade, said “We are so excited that you are first visitors on our International Trade and Tourism Day.”
Adam Thomas, executive director of Florida’s Sports Coast, said that as the county’s tourism marketing becomes more sophisticated, it is telling the county’s story in an international marketplace.
“Central America is a key market for us. We are very honored and appreciative of the partnership we have with the TDC (Tourist Development Council), as we continue to tell our story to the global market,” Thomas said.
Published March 08, 2023
