Pasco International Tourism
By Pam Oakes / Special to Nusa SUN
As the Olympic Torch methodically finds its way to the Olympic Stadium cauldron in London on July 27th, U.S. officials here are hoping that some Europeans are set to vault across the big pond and holiday abroad this year. In January, President Obama appeared at Disney World to unveil a Federal tourism plan that encourages travelers from across the globe to visit the USA and enjoy her many world famous attractions from sea to shining sea. The Federal government has challenged state and local governments to follow its lead and develop their own international tourism marketing plans. The Commerce Department says international travel is worth $134 billion, which has jurisdictions across the land scrambling to find their special ‘niche’ and win the attention of international visitors.
A Match Made in Heaven “Love-Love”
We like tourists because they spend money in our businesses, help pay our taxes while here, and not only help us keep our jobs, but for every 65 tourists visiting an area, one new job is created. Much like good grandchildren, they come and then go home. Once home, they act as mini ambassadors and most come back. On the flip side of the coin, what’s not to love about Florida? The Sunshine State boasts year round warm weather, sterling beaches, Mickey Mouse and southern hospitality. Most international visitors enjoy a good exchange rate and find our hotels, restaurants, shopping and transportation to be reasonably priced. Pasco County specifically, whose motto is “It’s Only Natural” is right on target with what many family oriented Europeans value and desire – a relaxed atmosphere and a natural environment. ‘Eco’tunities abound throughout our parks and along the shores of this southernmost county of Florida’s Nature Coast. Within a stones throw of world famous theme parks, beaches, Tampa Bay amenities, and coupled with easy access to international airports and cruise ships, Pasco County is the quintessential family oriented vacation destination. a special ‘niche’ presents itself. Rapidly becoming known internationally as the Naturist Capital of the USA, Pasco County also benefits from housing the largest naturist community in the United States. Pasco also has something very special that no one else does. Nestled in her central core, a special ‘niche’ presents itself.
A Perfect Marriage
With an estimated 19 million European naturists, and for the countless others who do not identify themselves as naturists but prefer to vacation at nudist resorts, here lies a diverse cluster of naturist and clothing optional communities, resorts, RV parks and campgrounds. Europeans typically enjoy marathon summer vacations lasting from 3 – 6 weeks or longer. This coincides perfectly with Pasco’s ‘off’ or ‘low’ season. A small volunteer naturist group presented these facts to county officials and it didn’t take long for the Pasco County Tourist Development Council to place a collective toe into the heretofore unknown waters of international naturist tourism.
In an unprecedented move, the county dove in, head first, to award the Pasco Area Naturist Development Association (PANDA) $3,818 to place advertising in targeted international naturist publications to promote the area. Following an International Naturist Tourism Forum in May, which was co-hosted by PANDA and Pasco County, interest catapulted to new heights among the nude recreation industry and the local business community. The Pasco International Tourism Committee is a newly formed group that arose in the wake of this renewed energy, and is comprised of local government leaders as well as naturist and non-naturist business and community volunteers. Together they plan to carry Pasco’s own torch to encourage international visitors to choose Pasco where “It’s Only Natural.”
RELATED LINKS:
www.london2012.com
www.visitflorida.org
www.visitpasco.net/Naturist_Locations.asp
NUDISTUSA.COM • VOLUME 4, NUMBER 7
Reprinted with permission Nusa SUN Magazine
Pam Oakes, your Honorary Mayor 