Despite some troubling times for the border, Nuevo Laredo officials continue working toward improving their image and drawing in tourists.
A new commercial promoting Nuevo Laredo has now been released to television stations across the state and it's even creating a buzz here at home.
We heard a lot recently about re-discovering our flavor but some are watching the Nuevo Laredo commercial and asking, why can't we do that?
People are talking about it.
Nuevo Laredo’s campaign to bring in the tourists "has created somewhat of a buzz.”
The commercial has now been released to Texas cities including Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and soon Corpus Christi as an ongoing effort to boost the tourism economy.
People here in Laredo are watching.
“The spot itself is very well done, very professional,” says Blasita Lopez of the Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“We see it as a tremendous effort on their part.”
The spot features libraries and amongst all the shopping opportunities, there are pictures of baby animals at the zoo.
For some city leaders, it’s raising the question of whether or not the millions being spent on Laredo promotion in magazines and on billboards is really effective.
“Maybe with the money that we have we need to try to invest in the right places to continue to promote Laredo,” says Mayor Raul Salinas.
After months of re-discovering the flavor, people have heard a lot about shopping.
“We do recognize that there is a lack of tourism structure for the other things to do because you can only do so much shopping and you can stay in a hotel only so many nights.”
But Lopez says they have discussed the issue with City management and Council members.
“I think they have some really nice things to offer. I’m looking forward for the day when we have a zoo.”
Who says everything costs money?
And as for TV spots for Laredo, the Convention and Visitors Bureau says one will run in Mexico beginning at the end of the month.
Now City officials say they'll see what else should be done.
“It’s something really worth looking into.”
Officials of the Convention and Visitors Bureau say they commend Nuevo Laredo’s efforts because after all in order to get people from Texas to our sister city, they have to come through here first.
They also say they're particularly excited about the idea of the snow park and say it's desperately needed to see a different group of people.