San José Mineta International Airport and Silicon Valley Office of Protocol Partner to Enhance International Visitor Experience

Silicon Valley Chief of Protocol Deanna Tryon, San José Mineta International Airport Director of Aviation Mukesh "Mookie" Patel, Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor, Maryam Muduroglu, Chair of the Silicon Valley Host Committee  

Silicon Valley Chief of Protocol Deanna Tryon, San José Mineta International Airport Director of Aviation Mukesh "Mookie" Patel, Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the United States, Dina Kawar

San José, Calif. – San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) and the Silicon Valley Office of Protocol have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen collaboration and enhance the experience of international visitors, dignitaries and delegations traveling to Silicon Valley. The partnership comes as San José welcomes visitors from around the globe for major international sporting events.

As the gateway to Silicon Valley, SJC serves as the first point of arrival for visitors from around the world. The partnership will enhance coordination on diplomatic arrivals and departures, protocol services, international events and visitor engagement efforts that elevate the region's reputation on the global stage. The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation on international visitor engagement, protocol guidance, special events and opportunities to promote San José and Silicon Valley on the global stage.

"As San José continues to grow as a global center for innovation, business and international collaboration, it is important that we provide a welcoming and seamless experience for visitors from around the world," said San José City Manager Jennifer Maguire. "This partnership between SJC and the Silicon Valley Office of Protocol strengthens our ability to support international guests, showcase our community, and reinforce San José's reputation as a world-class destination."

“San José has long been a hub for global innovation and business, and we’ve now become a destination for world-class events,” said San José Mayor Matt Mahan. “This partnership will help ensure that for both business and entertainment, international visitors, business leaders and dignitaries have the best experience we can offer in the Capital of Silicon Valley.” 

"San José continues to attract visitors, business leaders and delegations from around the world," said Mookie Patel, director of aviation at San José Mineta International Airport. "This partnership strengthens our ability to provide a welcoming, seamless and world-class experience from the moment guests arrive. We are proud to work alongside the Silicon Valley Office of Protocol to showcase the hospitality, innovation and professionalism that define our region."

The Silicon Valley Office of Protocol provides a broad range of services that support international engagement throughout the region, including coordinating diplomatic arrivals and departures at SJC; working with embassies, consulates and the U.S. Department of State on visits by heads of state and government; arranging meetings and ceremonies for visiting delegations; providing cultural briefings and protocol guidance to local leaders; and coordinating tours and programs for international business and government officials.

"As Silicon Valley continues to serve as a center of innovation and international collaboration, strong partnerships are essential to creating meaningful experiences for visitors from around the world," said Deanna Tryon, chief of protocol for the Silicon Valley Office of Protocol. "This collaboration with the outstanding leadership at SJC strengthens our ability to welcome global guests with professionalism, cultural awareness and the spirit of hospitality that reflects our community.  We have been working well with SJC for many years, and this confirms our successful relationship."

Under the agreement, the Airport and Silicon Valley Office of Protocol will collaborate on diplomatic and ceremonial arrivals, international delegation visits, cultural engagement opportunities and initiatives that support the region's growing role as a center for innovation, business and global collaboration.

Together, the organizations will help ensure that international guests experience the best of Silicon Valley from the moment they arrive at SJC.