Ambassador
Ambassador's Speech
OPENING REMARKS AT THE RECEPTION FOR THE ORLANDO CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU IN SALTA
April 28, 2009
Thank you Carlos, and thank you for inviting me to be here with you today as it is always a pleasure for me to support the travel and tourism industry.
I congratulate you for the magnificent city you have here in Salta and I completely agree that it should be referred to as “Salta La Linda” for its beauty. I am very happy to see so many Tour Operators who are interested in the United States.
I was very impressed to learn that the number of Argentine visitors to the United States actually grew by 19% over the past year. In fact, during this last year, according to US Department of Commerce we had the pleasure of receiving approximately 318,000 Argentine visitors in the United States. This is impressive given the economic situation that confronts the world today.
In fact, Argentina is only 1 of 3 countries that posted such positive gains, the other two being China and Russia. Again, this is a major accomplishment and speaks loudly to Argentine interest in the United States.
Orlando is one of the most popular destinations visited by Argentine tourists, and I encourage you to promote this city as it is a fantastic location. However, like Argentina, the United States offers various tourism destinations, as each state is unique and presents their own attractions.
It is important to note that Travel and Tourism in the United States is a vital sector as it generates many jobs and is considered one of the most important industries in the country. In each U.S. State, Travel and Tourism ranks among the top three sectors for revenue generation.
I’d like to emphasize that the most important tool for the growth of this industry is “promotion”. Therefore I appreciate your work in promoting the United States as travel and tourism is very important for Argentina and the United States as it helps strengthen our bilateral relationship. The tourist becomes the best Ambassador for our respective country, increasing awareness and understanding of our cultures and what we have to offer each other.
I also want to thank once again the Representative of the Orlando Convention & Visitors Bureau, Mr. Carlos Gutierrez for his commitment in promoting Orlando and organizing such an impressive event with our Embassy Travel and Tourism Specialist, Diana Brandon. Thank you and I hope you all have the opportunity to visit and promote several locations in the United States!
