Why We Love Port Arthur

Diann Bayes of TTIA, left, presents Darragh Doiron Castillo with a Certified Travel Executive certificate.

Why we love Port Arthur

         A Judice’s burger on the seawall, Pleasure Island views and pink Pompeiian Villa are some of my favorite Port Arthur things. I want to share them with everyone and now I have a certification to help me do it better.

         First of all, Port Arthur fans, I’d love you to put down The Port Arthur News for just a moment and dash to your computer to like the Port Arthur Convention & Visitors Bureau Facebook page. Your payoff? Beautiful views and news of fun in our city. Like and comment on the postings and share them with friends and family who are headed our way and who love Port Arthur, too.

         My “real’ job is promoting the area through the Port Arthur Convention & Visitors Bureau. The Bureau’s website, www.visitportarthurtx.com, has blogs on our great offerings, such as kayaking at Sea Rim State Park and Museum of the Gulf Coast exhibits. There’s also hotel and restaurant listings, fishing guides and things to do to keep our visitors coming back. Look into it if you’ve never seen it. Sign up for our newsletter.

         Four years ago I changed roles. After reporting at Port Arthur News for 23 years,  I now represent the bureau and promote our assets  to visitors and potential guests. They come to our area to fish, bird, work and dine.

         Thanks to The News for keeping my Culinary Thrill Seeking and Sounds Good columns running. I love hearing how readers use the information.

         The PACVB website is to encourage residents to love Port Arthur and realize what great coastal options we have. This summer, call up friends and family to come down for vacation and again, like the bureau Facebook page and be a part of sharing our good news.

         I’ve attended Travel & Tourism College over the years and graduated as a Certified Tourism Executive. The Texas Travel Industry Association organizes this “college” as a coming-together of professors, travel professionals and experts who make presentations  in everything from trends and markets to positively outrageous service.  I’ve stayed in Denton dorms and other destinations and learned how other Texas cities attract visitors. I believe everybody already loves Texas, and there’s always more to learn and see.

         My capstone project focused on community ambassadorship. I’m also proud to wear the bright blue jacket of the Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors. I know our spirit and know y’all can help spread the Port Arthur love.  We’ve got Cajun food, festivals, music, fishing, birding and boating. What’s not to love?

         Now, if didn’t already do it, go like the Port Arthur Convention & Visitors Bureau page and follow us on Pinterest and Twitter.  Sea ya in Port Arthur!

About Texas Travel Industry Association (TTIA)

The Texas Travel Industry Association (TTIA) is a non-profit organization made up of businesses, organizations, associations and individuals dedicated to developing Texas tourism to its fullest potential. TTIA’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Texas by strengthening travel and tourism. For more information about the Texas Travel Industry Association, visit www.ttia.org or contact the office in Austin at (512) 328-8842.

darraghcastillo@icloud.com