Trump expected to draw more tourists to county
Spotlight on president boosts county profile as destination, officials say.
PALM BEACH — Regardless of what you think about President Donald Trump, Palm Beach County leaders say his frequent trips to his oceanfront Mar-a-Lago club will be a boon for the local tourism industry.
Trump arrived Friday at Palm Beach International Airport to spend the weekend at his lavish resort, bringing the attention of the international media along with him.
The spotlight, tourism officials say, will help raise the county’s profile as an vacation destination for both domestic and international travelers.
“The Palm Beaches have long been a preferred leisure destination for heads of state and commerce, dignitaries and celebrities,” said Jorge Pesquera, president and CEO of Discover The Palm Beaches, the county’s official tourism marketing organization. “From a tourism perspective, we expect that the renewed media focus on the president’s ocean front retreat will raise the profile of The Palm Beaches and entice curious travelers to explore the vast array of recreational and cultural activities, innovative restaurants and award-winning hotels that these headlining celebrities frequent during their regular visits.”
The weekend trip will be Trump’s first stay at his home since his Jan. 20 inauguration. He’s expected to attend the 60th annual Red Cross Ball being held at Mar-aLago tonight.
Protesters plan to march from Trump Plaza in West Palm Beach along Flager Drive today. Trump supporters are expected to join the crowd near Southern Boulevard.
Lynn University history professor Robert Watson said media attention surrounding Trump’s visit is “priceless.”
“No matter how unpopular