Gus Bilirakis to Discuss Travel and Tourism in Tampa

Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., will be meeting with local business owners, policymakers and travel representatives in Wesley Chapel Friday to discuss the economic benefits of travel and tourism on the greater Tampa Bay area. According to a press release, Bilirakis will also be speaking about measures that can be taken to boost tourism for businesses in the upcoming year.

Travel and tourism are both important industries in the Sunshine State and they employ more than 1 million Floridians. The industries generate nearly $71.5 billion throughout the state. Across the country, travel is the United States' largest industry and service export, fueling one in every eight jobs.

Representatives from the Tampa International Airport, Saddlebrook Resort, Visit Tampa Bay, Pasco County Office of Tourism and U.S. Travel Association will be present at the meeting Friday. The event will "highlight the stories of local travel leaders and offer an opportunity for participants to share their thoughts on sustaining and growing this vital industry in Florida," according to a press release.

There will be interview opportunities for media following the event at 11:30 a.m.