After four intense days of business meetings, press conferences, networking events and strategic presentations from destinations and travel companies, the most important inbound travel trade show in the United States came to an end in Greater Fort Lauderdale with a spectacular closing celebration in front of the Broward County Convention Center.

This edition of IPW 2026 delivered a strong message of recovery, innovation and international growth for the U.S. travel industry at a time when global tourism continues to face significant challenges and opportunities.

Throughout the week, thousands of tourism professionals participated in business appointments, media events and destination showcases involving tourism boards, hotel brands, cruise companies, technology providers and travel industry leaders from across the United States and around the world.

ABC MUNDIAL provided special on-site coverage from the newly renovated Broward County Convention Center, where international buyers, journalists and tourism executives gathered for one of the industry’s most influential annual events.

Among the highlights were presentations and statements from key industry organizations such as U.S. Travel Association and Brand USA, both emphasizing the strategic importance of international tourism for the U.S. economy and the need to continue strengthening global promotion, connectivity and innovative visitor experiences.

The event also featured a strong lineup of press conferences and destination announcements. On the final day, presentations included Discover Puerto Rico, Destination DC, Visit Utah and New York City Tourism + Conventions.

The last day also included microsessions focused on itinerary building and cruise packaging strategies, featuring participation from Disney Cruise Line, Port Everglades and tourism representatives from Fort Lauderdale.

Later, Royal Caribbean Group hosted a special luncheon for buyers and media, showcasing the company’s latest innovations and future cruise experiences for the global travel market.

The closing celebration perfectly reflected the vibrant and multicultural spirit of Greater Fort Lauderdale. In front of the convention center, attendees enjoyed live music, entertainment, games, bumper cars, a Ferris wheel and immersive experiences that transformed the evening into a true outdoor festival.

One of the most impressive moments of the night was the “Extraordinary Hydroflight Device” performance, an aerial and water-based spectacle that amazed attendees with acrobatics and visual effects.

The celebration also highlighted the participation of the local community and representatives of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, whose historical presence remains deeply connected to the Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale area, particularly through the Hollywood Reservation. Their cultural participation added authenticity and identity to an event designed to showcase the diversity and hospitality of the host destination.

In a festive atmosphere, the entire team from Visit Lauderdale joined attendees on the dance floor, celebrating the successful conclusion of an event that once again positioned Greater Fort Lauderdale at the center of the global tourism industry.

With a strong focus on cruise tourism, immersive experiences, travel technology and international connectivity, IPW 2026 concluded with optimism for the future of inbound travel to the United States while reinforcing Greater Fort Lauderdale’s position as one of the country’s most dynamic and diverse destinations.