March 19, 2024
2023 was a banner year for tourism in Downtown Fort Lauderdale with out-of-town visitors choosing our city at a record-breaking pace. Driven by a growing supply of downtown hotels and world-class events coming to town last year like the NHL All-Star Game and Stanley Cup Final, Broward’s downtown experienced a 22% increase in overnight trips compared to 2022 levels according to Placer.ai.
“2023 has been a tremendous year for hotels in Downtown Fort Lauderdale as they continue to capitalize on being in the heart of a vibrant dining, entertainment, and shopping district. Guests want to stay in the center of it all and Las Olas Boulevard continues to emerge as a world-renowned destination for travelers with unique experiences right at their doorstep,” said Heiko Dobrikow from the Riverside Hotel.
By The Numbers:
Downtown Fort Lauderdale has seen a 219% increase in out-of-town trips since 2018.
Philadelphia, Boston, and Detroit are sending 250% more visitors to DowntownFTL annually since 2018.
About 70% of overnight stays in downtown are from 10 markets including New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Tampa, Orlando, Washington DC, Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, and Jacksonville.
Why This Matters:
Downtown Fort Lauderdale is emerging as a year-round destination for visitors and is no longer just a seasonal destination for snowbirds. The Restaurant People’s Tim Petrillo credits this success to Fort Lauderdale’s evolution into a more mature luxury travel destination. “Tourists have noticed the unique offering of world class resorts, a diverse restaurant and nightlife scene, award-winning beaches, and a wide variety of attractions. Fort Lauderdale has become a top choice for international, national, and statewide travel,” said Petrillo.
Each month in 2023 brought more visitors than the previous year with 11 out of 12 months experiencing a double-digit growth in tourists.
Hyatt Centric Las Olas General Manager Joshua Morris added that “through strategic partnerships, forward-thinking initiatives, and a steadfast commitment to tourism excellence, we surpassed previous overnight guest counts and redefined the essence of hospitality. As we reflect on this remarkable journey, we celebrate the tangible achievements and the intangible spirit of adventure and exploration that moves Fort Lauderdale forward.”
All this momentum demonstrates our community’s appeal during all seasons and sets up Downtown Fort Lauderdale for continued success.