TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico (TOTE), a leading maritime ocean carrier, recently announced its participation as a brand ambassador for the Junte Boricua project, led by GFR Media. This cultural tourism initiative aims to attract 50,000 Puerto Ricans to visit the island this summer to celebrate national pride while contributing to the country's economic activity.
"Our commitment to our people and to economic and social development aligns with the purpose of Junte Boricua, which is to serve and connect Puerto Ricans. We are very proud to be part of this event, as through TOTE, products manufactured in Puerto Rico are exported to the United States and cherished by Puerto Ricans in the diaspora, brands that have an emotional connection with the island. That's why we want to welcome all those Puerto Ricans and visitors who will come to our island from May to August," expressed Eduardo Pagán, Vice President and General Manager of TOTE Maritime Agency Puerto Rico, during the press conference held today at one of the maritime port docks in San Juan.
As part of this collaboration, TOTE will amplify the message of this project, both in and outside of Puerto Rico, through the deployment of "these rolling billboards to support and educate people across the island and on the mainland about Junte Boricua," as detailed by Pagán.
"We will have six 40-foot long and 8-foot high containers, decorated with Junte Boricua promotion, circulating through Puerto Rico municipalities, as well as in several cities in the United States such as Jacksonville, Miami, and Atlanta, where there is a large concentration of Puerto Ricans," explained the executive about the impressive advertising, which also includes a QR CODE that will provide information about Junte Boricua activities, TOTE’s continued commitment to making a positive impact on the island, and the services offered by TOTE.
For the past 35 years of service, TOTE has been a vital link for the island between Jacksonville, Florida, and San Juan, transporting essential supplies ranging from clothing and food to pharmaceutical products and vehicles, among others.
Furthermore, the company has been recognized for supporting various entities that address pressing needs in communities on important issues such as youth prevention, health, education, and food security. Since 2015, TOTE has invested over $1.8 million in community giving, helping to support many charitable organizations that serve the island, advocating for programs that create opportunities for people and ensuring that Puerto Rico continues to thrive in the future.
Pedro Zorrilla, CEO of GFR Media, celebrated this collaborative alliance with TOTE, which will undoubtedly "take the message of Junte Boricua to another level."
“As Eduardo (Pagán) mentioned, this project is about uniting wills to showcase the best of us as a country. Because we not only want people to come during the summer, but we also aspire for them to rediscover Puerto Rico and want to stay to study and/or work in their homeland. That's why it's so important for all of us to join in this call: Puerto Rico is calling you,” expressed Zorrilla.
Based on the concept of heritage tourism, Junte Boricua is the largest tourism initiative in Puerto Rico in recent years. The history and to the pride and nostalgia of Puerto Ricans in the extended homeland, connecting them with their roots and history, and motivating them to experience all that we have to offer. Over 100 cultural events, including festivals, concerts, and family activities, will take place throughout the island from May to August 2024. The First Puerto Rican Parade in Puerto Rico will also be celebrated next Saturday, May 18, starting at 3:00 p.m. on Constitution Avenue, in Old San Juan. For more information, visit junteboricua.com.
Media: Junte Boricua "Rolling Billboards" (Video from GFR Media)