Visit Lauderdale boosts sports and shopping tourism in the Brazilian market

What were your expectations for this event, and what new developments are you presenting to the Brazilian and international markets?

We're very happy to be back in Brazil, our number one market in Latin America. We have several direct flights from Brazil with Azul, which greatly strengthens connectivity.

At this edition of WTM Latin America, we were accompanied by strategic partners such as Sawgrass Mills, which we know is one of the favorite attractions for Brazilian visitors, and also by a recently renovated oceanfront hotel that offers a spectacular product.

We're also introducing new soccer-related guides ahead of major events like the FIFA Club World Cup, which will be held in the United States in June 2025. These guides include information on where to watch matches, where to stay, where to buy jerseys and merchandise, and what else to do in the destination during your visit.

We're also highlighting the growth of pickleball, a sport that's gaining popularity in both the U.S. and Brazil. The Fort, a 43-court complex, recently opened in Fort Lauderdale. Sawgrass Mills has also added new courts within the mall.

Much of our conversation here revolves around sports like soccer, hockey, and pickleball. And as our partner David from Sawgrass Mills says, Brazilians' second favorite sport is shopping.

What other new features does the destination offer today?

One of our biggest news stories is the opening of the Pier Sixty-Six Resort, which opened in January. It's a luxury property that joins our Virtuoso-class hotel offering.

Additionally, Fort Lauderdale will host IPW 2026, which is already generating great excitement. By then, the new 800-room Omni hotel will be operational, scheduled to open later this year. Also already operational is the expanded Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, which offers waterfront views and is a truly premium product.

What are the next promotional steps for Visit Lauderdale after WTM?

Thanks to the work of our representative in Brazil, Kevin Kawae of Aviareps, we have many activities planned. We will participate in events, hold webinars, and cooperative activations. This year, we are strongly committed to the Brazilian market: we trust that you will continue to travel, and we are ready to welcome you.

How is the promotion of the destination progressing in other Latin American countries?

We also have active representation in Argentina and Colombia, where interest in the destination continues to grow. In Mexico, we've seen an increase in visitor flow, especially thanks to the development of our cruise port, which has seen significant growth. Mexicans love cruises, and that's leading them to increasingly discover Fort Lauderdale as a destination.