Greater Fort Lauderdale’s tourism industry joins the nation in celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week
GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (May 12, 2023) – Visit Lauderdale has so many reasons to celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week, including a record-breaking year for tourism in Greater Fort Lauderdale. That’s why they did so in style during the annual “Together We Shine” luncheon and awards ceremony on Thursday, May 11, 2023.
In partnership with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) Broward Chapter, Visit Lauderdale hosted hundreds from the hospitality community at the newly expanded Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center to share successes and honor exceptional colleagues.
This year’s Laudable Awards ceremony honored eight exceptional hospitality professionals who consistently go above and beyond their primary duties to welcome “Everyone Under the Sun” and ensure visitors have a memorable experience.
The 2023 Laudable Award winners are:
- Riverside Hotel VIP Guest Room and Suites Attendant Dieulila Davilmar
- Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort Server Norrone Mignott
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Agent Alo Adebayo
- Riverside Hotel Guest Services Supervisor Lori Monticello
- Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort Director of Operations J.D. Ba
- Riverside Hotel Security Officer Gasendy Noel
The Laudable Rising Star Award
- Marriott and AC Hotel General Manager Mychal Milian
The Laudable Lifetime Achievement Award
- The Restaurant People Co-Founder and CEO Tim Petrillo
Honorees were nominated by their industry colleagues and selected by an evaluation panel consisting of local industry professionals.
“Each of our Laudable Award nominees exemplifies excellence in hospitality,” said Visit Lauderdale President and CEO Stacy Ritter. “They truly are a driving force and the reason why Greater Fort Lauderdale continues to be the destination of choice for leisure and business travelers, meetings and convention attendees and sports groups.”
The results of their efforts are evident in the continued economic growth of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s tourism industry, which has experienced double digit percentile spikes in hotel revenue and airport
arrivals. As an economic engine for Broward County, tourism employs approximately 93,000 people and last year generated almost $127 million in annual tax revenue.
“The revenue from the tourist development tax has increased by almost a 30 percent year-over-year,” said Ritter, “It’s due in large part to these dedicated individuals, who are our valued ambassadors.”
Visit Lauderdale continues to be a top destination for its commitment to inclusion, which is prominently featured in its brand campaign starring locals with disabilities, members of the area’s LGBT+ community (Greater Fort Lauderdale is Florida’s LGBT+ capital), people of diverse ages and ethnicities. People from more than 170 countries speaking 147 languages call Greater Fort Lauderdale home. Together, they make up the rich tapestry of the 31 municipalities that make us Greater Fort Lauderdale.
“FRLA Broward is honored to promote, protect, and educate the hospitality industry. For over a decade, our fundraising efforts have been instrumental towards education in support of hospitality and culinary curriculums,” said Rozeta Mahboubi, FRLA Broward Regional Director. “Our scholarship and mentorship programs have advanced many inspiring new talents into an array of industry positions. Together we will shine in partnership with Visit Lauderdale to cultivate the next generation of exceptional hospitality leaders for the Greater Fort Lauderdale area.”
About Greater Fort Lauderdale
With 24 miles of golden sand beaches and 300+ miles of navigable waterways, Greater Fort Lauderdale is known as the Venice of America and Yachting Capital of the World. The area boasts an average year-round temperature of 77˚F, has 3,000+ hours of annual sunshine, and is home to 31 unique municipalities, including eight distinct beach communities, each offering something for “everyone under the sun.” Residents hailing from 170 countries, speaking 147 languages call this diverse destination home. And there’s good reason, including the area’s unwavering commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Upon arrival at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), a five-minute drive will get you to the beach, Port Everglades, the newly expanded Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, and a bustling downtown. Experience 4,000+ eateries, a thriving arts and culture scene, craft breweries, stunning rooftop bars, fishing, diving, and the unmatched beauty of the Florida Everglades. From world-class shopping, to boating, yachts and superyachts all moored at the area’s many marinas, it’s no wonder Greater Fort Lauderdale is one of the most desirable places to stay, work and play. The destination has more than 38,000 unique lodging accommodations at a variety of hotels, luxury spa resorts, and beautifully appointed, boutique properties, all reflecting the area’s cosmopolitan vibe. Find inspiration for your next trip and follow @VisitLauderdale on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
About Visit Lauderdale
Visit Lauderdale is the official destination marketing organization for Greater Fort Lauderdale and serves as the tourism department for Broward County, Florida. Visit Lauderdale promotes the area’s 31 municipalities to a global audience of leisure and business travelers as the ideal place for Everyone Under the Sun in recognition of the area’s diverse and welcoming vibe, and books conventions into the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center and area hotels and resorts. Find more information and follow @VisitLauderdale on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.