Visit Lauderdale's global commerce team, in collaboration with Spirit Airlines, extended a special invitation to five Spirit Airlines Certified Ticket Office Operators and two Colombian tour operators for an exclusive customer event in Greater Fort Lauderdale.

The highly anticipated "Clásico Colombiano" match featuring Colombian rivals, "Atlético Nacional" from Medellín and Millonarios FC from Bogotá, took place in a friendly encounter at Fort Lauderdale's DRV PNK stadium on Saturday, July 8, 2023. Visit Lauderdale's Sports and Entertainment team joined forces with Prime Entertainment as one of the key sponsors for this significant game. As the sports tourism sector continues to thrive, Visit Lauderdale aims to underscore the pivotal role of soccer in Greater Fort Lauderdale.

The esteemed guests were flown into FLL by Spirit Airlines from various cities across Colombia, including Medellín, Cartagena, Armenia, and Bogotá. Spirit Airlines currently operates forty direct weekly flights from Colombia to FLL, firmly establishing itself as a leading player in the Colombian market.

Welcoming the VIP group were Norissa Small, Spirit Airlines' International Sales Manager, and Caitlan Etchevers, Visit Lauderdale's Director of LATAM Sales.

Transportation arrangements were expertly handled by Mundi Limo, Broward County's trusted transportation company based in Pompano. The guests were whisked away to their weekend sanctuary, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Deerfield Beach Resort & Spa.

The festivities commenced with a warm welcome reception at the resort's Beach Terrace restaurant, where delectable tropical flavors and Caribbean cuisine delighted the palates of the attendees. The following morning, the group indulged in a complimentary beach buffet at Embassy Suites before embarking on a visit to downtown Fort Lauderdale to admire the captivating sculpture "Thrive" by Daniel Popper.

Exploring Fort Lauderdale's famed waterways, often likened to the Venice of the Americas, the group embarked on a private charter aboard the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi. The scenic journey included a captivating view of Port Everglades, where the two cruise ships took center stage, along with the ongoing construction of the new Convention Center hotel. The itinerary further encompassed a visit to the timeless 15th Street Fisheries restaurant and more. The final stop was at Water Taxi stop number seven, adjacent to the Doubletree Gallery One hotel on Sunrise Boulevard, conveniently situated within walking distance of one of Greater Fort Lauderdale's premier shopping destinations, The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale. The group relished a delectable lunch at the esteemed Capital Grill, savoring the finest steaks in Greater Fort Lauderdale, before indulging in some well-deserved shopping time at Macys, Apple, H&M, and other renowned establishments.

While time was limited for hotel visits during this brief FAM trip, the group made a notable stop at the recently opened Cambria Hotel Fort Lauderdale Beach. General Manager Kara Lundgren and Director of Sales Paige Guiliano warmly welcomed the group and offered a brief tour of this idyllically positioned hotel, culminating in a delightful sampling of specially crafted drinks at their full-service restaurant.

The ultimate highlight for the group was experiencing the "El Clásico Colombiano" match from the VIP suites of the DRV PNK Stadium. Despite a slight delay due to inclement weather, the game commenced at 10:30 p.m. The United States and Colombian national anthems reverberated through the stadium, setting the stage for an exhilarating encounter. The two teams delivered a captivating performance, with Milionarios emerging victorious with a 1-0 win.

The successful Visit Lauderdale/Spirit visit stands as a testament to the unwavering support and deep appreciation both organizations hold for the Colombian market, as well as the fervor for soccer in Fort Lauderdale.