CLEARWATER, Fla., Sept. 08, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Wednesday the 7th of September, members of Pinellas County’s Hospitality Industry were hosted at an open house in the historic Fort Harrison, part of the Church of Scientology’s international religious retreat in downtown Clearwater.

At the September 7th, Hospitality Open House at the Church of Scientology’s Fort Harrison in downtown Clearwater, the Church’s award-winning Executive Chef spoke of his collaboration with local chefs.

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“The Fort Harrison has a unique role in the international scope of Scientology, Pinellas County tourism and the greater Clearwater community,” said Lisa Mansell, the Public Affairs Director for the Church.  

“Through these doors, we welcome guests from more than 60 countries every year. Every Scientologist in the world wants to come to Clearwater at some point to partake in advanced Scientology services,” she continued, “and they take advantage of all that Clearwater and the Tampa Bay region have to offer while they are here.”

The Executive Chef for the Church and the executive in charge of all of the retreat facilities also spoke, encouraging collaboration to solve common problems.

Fifty guests attended Wednesday’s event, including executives from the Clearwater Beach Hyatt Resort, Hampton Inn and Suites, Crabby Bill’s Restaurants, the Clearwater Ferry, the Early Bird Dinner Theater and more.

After enjoying hors d’oeuvres created by the Fort Harrison’s gold-medal winning chefs, guests were treated to a set of jazz standards performed by the Church’s Flag Band.

To increase understanding about the Church’s role in the community and throughout the world, guests were also invited to tour the Fort Harrison and the ground floor of the Church’s 380,000 square-foot, Scientology religious services Flag Building.

In 2014, Florida State University’s Center for Economic Forecasting reported that up to 700 visitors can be found in the Fort Harrison and several other Church-owned retreats in downtown Clearwater at any one time and as a result, the Church’s visiting parishioners contribute over $1,000,000 in tourist tax to Pinellas County’s burgeoning tourism economy.  Scientologist visitors also spend some $19.6 million throughout the area annually.

For More Information
Contact:  Pat Harney
727-467-6860

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