Joint Tourism - Trade and Investment Mission to Europe
Dublin, London and Lisbon

Led By The Honorable Richard T. Crotty
Mayor of Orange County Government - Florida

November 8- 10, 2006

Orange County Mayor Richard T. Crotty, the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC), and the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. (OCVB), as well as high-level delegation compromised of 6 companies, are participating in a travel industry and business sales mission in London, Dublin and Portugal.

Since taking office in 2000 Mayor Richard T. Crotty has strategically traveled internationally to promote trade between Central Florida and other countries. He has joined Governor Bush in several of the Governor's high profile missions to South America and Europe as well as individually leading delegations.

In Portugal, Mayor Crotty is reciprocating a recent visit to Florida by leaders from this country, led by U.S. Ambassador Al Hoffman, interested in developing their leisure travel industry. Much can be learned from Central Florida's world famous hospitality industry. Central Florida with its world renowned attractions ranks as the number one tourist destination in the world with an estimated 50 million visitors a year and boasting the second largest convention center in America. The Mayor is interested in promoting exchange educational opportunities between The University of Central Florida's Rosen School of Hospitality and other similar programs in Portugal the Mayor has invited a leading executive from the Rosen School of Hospitality to join him on the mission to Lisbon."

1. The Honorable Richard T. Crotty - Mayor of Orange County Government Florida
2. Ms. Alda D. Egurrola-Wienke, CHSP, CMP, The Kessler Collection
3. Ms. Carmenza Gonzalez - Vice President, International Business, Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission. Representing four counties and the City of Orlando.
4. Mr. Miguel Kaled, Director of International Business Development, Morris Architects, Inc.
5. Mr. William Peeper - President, Orlando Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau
6. Dr. Abraham Pizam, Dean of the Rosen College of Hospitality of the University of Central Florida.
7. Mr. George Rodon - Director Economic Development, Trade and Tourism, Orange County Government Florida
8. Mr. Gonzalo Arace, Deputy Director, Enterprise Florida, Inc.