In an exclusive interview with ABC Mundial, Stacy Ritter, President and CEO of Visit Lauderdale, discussed the impact of the FIFA World Cup, the lasting legacy of Lionel Messi's presence in the region, and the destination's growth plans aimed at strengthening its position as a top gateway for Colombian travelers.

Ritter noted that the profile of the Colombian traveler has evolved significantly over the past year. "Today's visitor is looking for a destination that offers a deeper connection to the place they're visiting," she explained, adding that while shopping remains important, it's no longer the sole draw. Waterfront dining, Water Taxi rides along more than 300 miles of navigable waterways, Everglades airboat tours, and the cultural energy of neighborhoods like Las Olas and Wilton Manors are now central to the visitor experience.

Air connectivity also remains a top priority for the destination's strategy. Ritter explained that Visit Lauderdale works closely with Avianca and JetBlue to support their route expansion into the region, backing that partnership with joint marketing campaigns and travel trade engagement. "Colombia remains one of our most important international markets," she said, emphasizing that these partnerships benefit travelers, airline partners, and the local tourism industry alike.

Hosting IPW 2026 in Greater Fort Lauderdale this past May was, according to Ritter, a defining moment for showcasing the destination's depth to South American buyers beyond its beaches. "The feedback was overwhelmingly positive," she said, noting that the event strengthened relationships with key partners across the region.

With the FIFA World Cup underway in South Florida, Ritter said hotels and restaurants across the destination have embraced the moment with watch parties and special activations to welcome international fans. In that context, she also reflected on the lasting impact of Lionel Messi's arrival in the region: although Inter Miami now plays at its new home stadium, the club's training facility remains in Greater Fort Lauderdale, something the CEO described as a legacy that reinforced the destination's image as a place capable of hosting world-class athletes and events.

"Lionel Messi's arrival elevated Greater Fort Lauderdale's visibility on the global stage and introduced the destination to millions of new fans around the world. While Inter Miami has transitioned to its new home, the club's training facility remains in Greater Fort Lauderdale, ensuring the destination continues to play an important role in the team's identity and operations. The 'Messi effect' reinforced Greater Fort Lauderdale's reputation as a premier sports destination capable of hosting world-class athletes, teams and events, while showcasing everything visitors can experience before and after the game."

Ritter also highlighted the Brightline train as a key tool for Colombian travelers, allowing them to combine Fort Lauderdale with Miami or Orlando "without the need for a rental car," in what she described as a convenient, stress-free way to experience multiple Florida destinations in a single trip.

On business and event infrastructure, Ritter pointed to the expansion of the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, now offering 1.2 million square feet of space, along with the newly opened Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel, with 801 rooms directly connected to the convention center, as key assets for attracting corporate and incentive (MICE) travel from the region.

Looking ahead, the Visit Lauderdale president previewed new hotel openings, expanded air service, and the upcoming launch of the "Never Lose Your Splash" campaign, designed to invite travelers to reconnect with the destination's adventurous spirit. Her closing message was aimed directly at Colombian travel agencies and tour operators: "Thank you for your continued confidence in Greater Fort Lauderdale. We're committed to investing in this market for years to come."