Sawgrass Mills had a strong presence during IPW 2026 in Fort Lauderdale, reinforcing its position as one of the leading shopping tourism destinations in South Florida. As part of the event, nearly 150 journalists, buyers, and tour operators participated in a special three-hour tour of the shopping complex and its premium area, The Colonnade Outlets, in an experience designed to showcase the evolution of the destination as an integrated tourism product.

The activity included guided visits, meetings with the international travel trade, and a presentation of new developments at the AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Sawgrass Mills / Sunrise, where networking sessions and hospitality experiences were also organized for event participants.

Sawgrass Mills Expands with New Brands and Culinary Experiences

Speaking with ABC MUNDIAL, David Lydia, Assistant Director of Marketing & Business Development at Sawgrass Mills (Simon Property Group), highlighted the strong interest from Latin American markets, with Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia among the top visitor sources for the destination.

“IPW has been excellent. We have key visitor markets for Sawgrass Mills such as Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia interested in learning about our latest developments,” the executive said during the interview.

One of the main highlights of the presentation was the expansion of the shopping center’s dining and retail offerings. Among the newest additions is Ceviche 105, the renowned Peruvian restaurant led by chef Juan Chipoco, located in the Oasis area.

The complex also announced the arrival of new international brands and dining concepts at The Colonnade Outlets premium section, further strengthening the shopping center’s positioning as a high-end retail destination in South Florida.

Additionally, Sawgrass Mills confirmed the upcoming opening of the first Aritzia outlet store in the state of Florida, scheduled for October this year, representing one of the most significant fashion retail additions to the complex.

An Integrated Experience: Shopping, Hospitality, and Tourism

The AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Sawgrass Mills / Sunrise played a key role during the IPW experience, offering integrated hospitality connected directly to the shopping destination. Its panoramic rooftop terrace became one of the highlights of the visit.

From there, participants learned more about Sawgrass Mills’ strategy as a hybrid destination where shopping, gastronomy, hotels, and tourism services coexist within a single ecosystem.

Tools and Benefits for the Travel Trade

Another important topic discussed during the presentation was the availability of discount booklets and special vouchers for travel agencies and tour operators, designed to enhance the international visitor experience and support destination sales efforts.

These initiatives are part of Sawgrass Mills’ direct collaboration strategy with the travel trade, particularly in Latin American markets, where the outlet continues to experience sustained visitor growth.

A Key Player in Visit Lauderdale’s Tourism Strategy

Sawgrass Mills’ participation within the Visit Lauderdale pavilion at the Broward County Convention Center reaffirmed its importance within the region’s tourism strategy, positioning it as one of South Florida’s leading attractions.

With a combination of new openings, culinary expansion, and strong partnerships with the hospitality sector, Sawgrass Mills continues strengthening its role as one of the most important shopping centers in the international tourism market.