Fort Lauderdale is preparing to become the new epicenter of international tourism

What was your experience like this year, and what does it represent for Fort Lauderdale?

This year was the largest turnout from the Greater Fort Lauderdale region. We came with a very well-rounded delegation: representatives from various hotels, from Hollywood to Pompano, as well as the Visit Lauderdale team. Even our president, CEO, and mayor were present, as this edition also represents a key prelude to what's to come in 2026.

What does it mean for Fort Lauderdale to host a large-scale international event for the first time?

It's a very exciting time, and also a bit challenging. This will be one of the first large-scale events to be hosted by our renovated convention center, the expansion of which will be completed by the end of 2025. Until now, we haven't been able to host conventions of this scale, so this event will be a turning point for us.

How is the private sector preparing for this new scenario?

The hotel sector is making significant investments. For example, the Diplomat Hotel just completed a renovation, the Courtyard Oceanside received a $24 million investment, and the Marriott Pompano received another $36 million. Additionally, new spaces are emerging, such as waterfront bars and renovated marinas, like Pier 66, which will be part of Virtuoso's portfolio. The transformation of the destination is significant.

How was Visit Lauderdale's participation in terms of volume and activity?

More than 30 people came, including about 15 hotels, representatives from public relations, marketing, and our executive team. This is the first time we've worked with five parallel agendas, all of which were completely full. There's a huge amount of interest in South Florida, and especially in Greater Fort Lauderdale, and that fills us with pride.

What long-term impact do you expect from this transformation?

We know that this type of event generates a multiplier effect. To qualify for it, we had to present the proposal to the government and demonstrate that the investment was worthwhile. Thanks to US Travel, we have statistics showing the projected economic impact for the next three, five, and even ten years. It's an opportunity for strategic positioning and growth.

What would you recommend to those attending the event in Fort Lauderdale next year?

A lot! Since the event will be held from Monday to Thursday, there will be two ideal weekends to explore the destination. I would start with a water taxi or tiki boat ride through the canals, accompanied by good music and drinks. I would also suggest visiting the Everglades before the event begins to enjoy nature. After the event, the ideal thing is to relax on the beach, take advantage of the spas, rooftops, and the local cuisine, which is excellent. Everything is close by, about 20-25 minutes away, and we are even working on incorporating water taxi transportation as part of the experience.