FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Brie Turek (407) 246-3106
Heather Allebaugh (407) 246-3423

Mayor Dyer to Sign Sister City Agreement
with City of Valladolid, Spain

WHAT: The Cities of Orlando and Valladolid, Spain may seem like a world apart with 4, 259 miles and the Atlantic ocean between them, but the two cities share similar connections and will now permanently strengthen their ties as "sister cities." This is Mayor Dyer's first sister city agreement as Mayor adding to the current eight agreements the City of Orlando has with other international cities.

As sister cities, the local governments and its residents and businesses exchange ideas related to education, science, culture, commerce and tourism. For example, the City of Valladolid has a technological park similar to UCF's Research Park. Local companies in both of these parks will benefit from the opportunity to share information related to digital media and simulation technology.

The Sister City agreement lays the foundation for a future of extensive and successful program activities including:
Educational exchanges involving UCF, Rollins College, the University of Valladolid and the Parque Cientifico "Universidad" Valladolid
Building on tourism opportunities including cultural and arts exhibits and cuisine exchange between chefs and distinguished restaurants showcasing best practices
Coordinating with airlines to create direct flights from Orlando to Madrid or Valladolid, Spain
Sharing successes in environmental, urban and community development

As a result of Orlando's sister city relationship with Curititza, Brazil, Orlando developed the downtown LYMMO circulator after Curititza's successful model.

WHEN: The official signing will take place at 3 p.m. on Friday, November 3

WHERE: Orlando City Hall Rotunda

WHO: Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer
Valladolid Mayor Francisco Javier Leon de la Riva
District 1 City Commissioner Phil Diamond
District 4 City Commissioner Patty Sheehan
Raquel Tacon, Honorary Counsel for Spain in Orlando

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND:

Facts about the City of Valladolid
Oldest medical school in Europe, celebrating 600th anniversary
Birthplace of Juan Ponce de Leon
The region has nearly 500,000 residents
Next year, Valladolid expects the arrival of the Spanish High Speed Railway Network connecting the city to Madrid.
Tourism has become one of the main driving forces of the economy
Castilian Spanish originated in Valladolid
Was the first capital of Spain

Other City of Orlando Sister Cities
Tainan, Taiwan
Orenburg, Russia
Monterrey, Mexico
Guilin, China
Curititza, Brazil
Urayasu, Japan
Eykjanesbaer, Iceland
Seine Et Marne, France
 

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