South Padre Island seeks to become a cruise destination: Travel …

South Padre Island is trying to build a future as a Western
Caribbean cruise port of call.

The Texas resort town has hired SPI Cruise Group, a
partnership of four companies, to create a plan to develop South Padre Island
as a cruise destination.

Located at the mouth of the Rio Grande River at the
southernmost tip of Texas, the port enjoys year-round warm weather.

“We are looking forward to sharing our unique
ecotourism sites, like Sea Turtle Inc., a renowned sea turtle rescue center,”
said Mayor Dennis Stahl, who also cited the Birding and Nature Center, a
birdwatching destination, along with beach and adventure activities.

Partners in SPI Cruise Group are MarketScope Global, a
cruise research firm; IDEA, a port planning firm; Cruise and Port Advisors, a
port consulting firm; and NewmanPR, a public relations agency. All are in South
Florida, except for IDEA, which is based in Orlando.