Greater Fort Lauderdale Tourism Strong in 2010
Gains in Domestic, International Arrivals Outpace Rest of Florida
GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - February 25, 2011 - Outpacing the rest of Florida, Greater Fort Lauderdale recorded a 2.6 percent increase in total visitors in 2010, according to year-end estimates. Spending in the local economy by the 10.84 million visitors also rose from $8.47 billion to $8.69 billion. Traffic at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport jumped 6.4 percent. Statewide, Florida saw a 2.1 percent increase in visitors.
"Given the realities of the economy over the past year, these are very impressive figures, clearly demonstrating that Greater Fort Lauderdale's tourism industry is reaping the rewards of hard work and creative marketing over the past few months. We have every reason to be optimistic about 2011 based on the success of 2010," said Nicki E. Grossman, president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Greater Fort Lauderdale will show a 2.7 percent increase in domestic visitors in 2010. Canadian visitors increased by 3.6 percent and Latin America by 2.6 percent, including a doubling of arrivals from Brazil, which is now Greater Fort Lauderdale's second largest foreign market. Growth from Latin America was aided by increased air service from the region by Spirit Airlines and other carriers. Arrivals from Scandinavia, Europe, and the UK also showed modest gains, a reflection of the continued strengthening of the long-haul inbound vacation market.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport's year-end figures showed 22,412,627 arriving and departing passengers in 2010, including 18,965,234 domestic travelers, a 5.2 percent gain over a year ago.
Based on 2010 results and a slowly strengthening global economy, Greater Fort Lauderdale officials are forecasting 11 million visitors in 2011.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jessica Taylor
[email protected]
954-765-4466
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