SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's Trade Mission to Spain is underway this week in preparation for the Alamo City’s Tricentennial celebration in 2018.
The Spain Trade Mission is a chance for Mayor Ivy Taylor, city council members, Hispanic Chamber leaders and industry representatives to cultivate relationships in Spain.
The week includes trips to Santa Cruz de La Palma and Tenerife in the Canary Islands, two of San Antonio's nine sister cities, and the place from which San Antonio's founding fathers sailed from to establish our city nearly 300 years ago.
Former San Antonio Mayor Lila Cockrell forged sister-city relationships with Spain nearly 40 years ago. Taylor wants to expand on those relationships.
“Certainly we are very motivated and interested in expanding our trade relationships,” Taylor said. “We already have several prominent Spanish-based companies that are working in San Antonio.”
The city of San Antonio contingency will meet with Spanish government leaders and dignitaries throughout the week.
Mayor Taylor gave a speech Tuesday at the Cervantes Institute, a nonprofit organization that aims to promote a better understanding of the Spanish language and culture throughout the world.
The meetings could have long-term implications for San Antonio and the city’s relationships overseas.
Councilman Alan Warrick said his goal is to bring back the king of Spain for San Antonio's Tricentennial Celebration.
"The fact that we have a sister city, (and) if we don't visit it, if we don't maintain that relationship, that could falter and that could hurt future opportunities of sister cities based on reputation,” Warrick said.
KSAT’s Ursula Pari and digital journalist Ryan Loyd are with the City of San Antonio delegation and will have reports on the venture on-air and online and KSAT’s social media channels.