FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA. Greater Fort Lauderdale is strengthening its position as a multifaceted tourism destination, expanding its appeal beyond its well-known beaches and cruise industry. Investments in hospitality, meetings and conventions, dining and accessibility are helping the region attract leisure travelers, business groups and visitors looking to extend their stays in South Florida.

The destination welcomed more than 20.9 million travelers in 2025, while Port Everglades handled more than four million cruise passengers, a 16.2% increase compared with 2024. The figures highlight tourism's importance to the local economy and the opportunity to encourage visitors to explore more of the region before or after their cruises.

Major investments in meetings and hospitality

A key development is the expansion of the Broward County Convention Center, which now encompasses approximately 1.2 million square feet of total space. Its facilities include a 350,000-square-foot exhibit hall and a 65,000-square-foot waterfront ballroom, strengthening Greater Fort Lauderdale's ability to host major conventions, corporate gatherings and incentive travel programs.

The project is complemented by the Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel, which officially opened in December 2025. The property features 801 rooms and is directly connected to the convention center, creating a new hub for business events and leisure stays. Its location also provides convenient access to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades.

A growing culinary and luxury scene

Dining is another increasingly important part of the destination's tourism offering. Chef's Counter at MAASS, located at Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale, retained its one-star distinction in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide Florida.

The recognition reinforces the region's growing culinary profile, which combines international influences, waterfront restaurants and upscale dining experiences. Beyond its restaurants, Greater Fort Lauderdale offers museums, botanical gardens, shopping districts, boating, fishing and water taxi excursions connecting waterfront neighborhoods.

Advancing accessible tourism

Greater Fort Lauderdale is also working to make the visitor experience more inclusive. Through a partnership with KultureCity, the destination has introduced sensory-support resources and designated quiet spaces at participating locations for visitors with non-visible disabilities, including autism and post-traumatic stress disorder.

For travel advisors, the destination's expanding range of experiences creates opportunities to recommend pre- and post-cruise stays, culinary itineraries and packages combining beaches, culture, shopping and entertainment.

With more than 24 miles of beaches and an increasingly diverse hospitality offering, Greater Fort Lauderdale is positioning itself as more than a cruise departure point. Its strategy emphasizes longer stays, broader visitor experiences and a tourism economy supported by leisure travel, international events and an evolving culinary scene.