During IPW 2026 held in Fort Lauderdale, the host destination once again positioned itself as one of the leading tourism hubs in the United States. At the Visit Lauderdale booth, ABC MUNDIAL spoke with Trish Pederson, Director of Sales and Marketing at AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Beach, who highlighted the positive impact of the event and the growing international interest in the destination.

Pederson expressed her enthusiasm about IPW being hosted in Fort Lauderdale and emphasized the importance of showcasing everything the city has to offer to tour operators and travel advisors, especially within the leisure travel segment. According to her, Fort Lauderdale combines beaches, shopping, gastronomy, and entertainment into a highly attractive experience for international visitors.

“In Fort Lauderdale, you come to enjoy the beach and go shopping,” the executive explained while describing the profile of the hotel’s guests.

In that regard, she recommended travelers stay at AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Beach to enjoy a relaxing beachfront experience and then complement their trip with visits to shopping centers and dining districts throughout the city.

Among the highlighted attractions, she mentioned the renowned Sawgrass Mills, one of the largest outlet shopping destinations in South Florida, ideal for visitors seeking premium shopping experiences. She also referenced Las Olas Boulevard, famous for its boutiques, restaurants, and bars, as an essential part of the city’s tourism experience.

The participation of AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Beach within the Visit Lauderdale space at IPW 2026 reflected the strong collaboration between the hospitality industry and tourism promotion efforts to strengthen Fort Lauderdale’s position as one of Florida’s most complete and versatile destinations.

Beyond the traditional appeal of its beaches, Fort Lauderdale continues reinforcing its image as an urban destination offering premium shopping, gastronomy, and nightlife experiences, aspects highly valued by the Latin American market.