The Fort Lauderdale Tourism Bureau, officially known as Visit Lauderdale, is the official destination marketing organization for Broward County, Florida, offering comprehensive resources for planning your trip, from accommodations to attractions, ensuring a memorable vacation experience. With SIXT.VN, you can easily bridge the gap between your travel aspirations and the reality of exploring new destinations in Vietnam. Let us guide you through the wonders of Vietnamese hospitality, culture, and landscapes, making your journey seamless and unforgettable with travel tips, destination guides, and support.
1. Discovering the Fort Lauderdale Tourism Bureau: Your Gateway to Broward County
The Fort Lauderdale Tourism Bureau, also known as Visit Lauderdale, is the official tourism marketing agency for Broward County, Florida. Its mission is to promote Greater Fort Lauderdale as a premier year-round leisure and meeting destination. This organization plays a vital role in attracting visitors, supporting local businesses, and enhancing the overall tourism experience in the region.
1.1. What Does Visit Lauderdale Do?
Visit Lauderdale is responsible for a variety of activities aimed at promoting tourism in Broward County. These include:
- Marketing and Promotion: Developing and executing marketing campaigns to attract tourists from around the world. This includes advertising, public relations, and digital marketing efforts.
- Destination Management: Working with local businesses and organizations to ensure that visitors have a positive and memorable experience.
- Convention and Group Sales: Attracting meetings, conventions, and group travel to Broward County.
- Sports and Entertainment: Promoting sporting events and entertainment options to enhance the area’s appeal.
- Global Travel Trade: Engaging with travel agents, tour operators, and other industry professionals to increase visitation.
- Destination Services: Providing information and support to visitors to help them plan their trips and make the most of their time in Broward County.
1.2. How Is Visit Lauderdale Funded?
Visit Lauderdale is funded by a portion of the tax on hotel rooms in Broward County. This dedicated funding source allows the organization to focus on its mission of promoting tourism without relying on general tax revenues.
1.3. The History of Visit Lauderdale
Visit Lauderdale was created by the Board of Broward County Commissioners in 1987. Originally known as the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau (GFLCVB), the organization rebranded as Visit Lauderdale to better reflect its mission and appeal to a broader audience.
2. Planning Your Trip with the Fort Lauderdale Tourism Bureau
Visit Lauderdale provides a wealth of resources to help you plan your trip to Broward County. Whether you’re looking for information on accommodations, attractions, events, or transportation, you’ll find it on the Visit Lauderdale website.
2.1. Accommodations
Visit Lauderdale’s website features a comprehensive directory of hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals in Broward County. You can search for accommodations based on your budget, location preferences, and desired amenities.
2.2. Attractions
Broward County offers a wide range of attractions, from beautiful beaches and waterways to museums, parks, and entertainment venues. Visit Lauderdale’s website provides detailed information on these attractions, including hours of operation, admission fees, and directions.
2.3. Events
Visit Lauderdale maintains a calendar of events happening throughout Broward County. Whether you’re interested in music festivals, art shows, sporting events, or cultural celebrations, you’ll find something to enjoy.
2.4. Transportation
Visit Lauderdale provides information on transportation options in Broward County, including airports, public transportation, and rental car services. This can help you plan your travel to and around the area.
2.5. Dining
Broward County boasts a diverse culinary scene, with restaurants offering everything from fresh seafood to international cuisine. Visit Lauderdale’s website features a directory of restaurants, along with reviews and recommendations.
3. Key Departments and Teams at Visit Lauderdale
Visit Lauderdale is organized into several key departments and teams, each with a specific focus on promoting tourism in Broward County. Understanding these departments can help you connect with the right people for your needs.
3.1. Leadership
The leadership team at Visit Lauderdale sets the overall strategy and direction for the organization. Key members include:
- President & CEO: Stacy Ritter – Responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of Visit Lauderdale. Contact: [email protected], 954-765-4466
- Executive Vice President: Anthony (Tony) Cordo – Assists the President & CEO in managing the organization and overseeing key initiatives. Contact: [email protected], 954-767-2459
3.2. Marketing & Communications
This department is responsible for promoting Broward County as a tourist destination through advertising, public relations, and digital marketing. Key members include:
- Senior Vice President, Marketing & Communications: Camila Clark – Oversees all marketing and communications efforts for Visit Lauderdale. Contact: [email protected], 954-767-2444
- Senior Manager, PR and Communications: Ivonne MacMillan – Manages public relations and media relations for Visit Lauderdale. Contact: [email protected], 954-767-2408
- Senior Manager, Global Integrated Marketing: Attiyya Atkins – Develops and executes global marketing campaigns. Contact: [email protected], 954-767-2442
- Digital Marketing Manager, Marketing & Communications: Christopher Pendas – Manages digital marketing initiatives, including social media and website content. Contact: [email protected], 954-767-2460
- Public Relations Manager: Ebony Tyre – Handles media inquiries and public relations activities. Contact: [email protected], 954-767-2445
- Content Development Manager: Chanel Campbell – Creates engaging content for Visit Lauderdale’s website and marketing materials. Contact: [email protected], 954-767-2411
- Contracts & Billing Manager, Marketing & Communications: Kristen Norona – Manages contracts and billing for the marketing and communications department. Contact: [email protected], 954-767-2472
- Logistics Coordinator, Marketing & Communications: Frank Padin – Coordinates logistics for marketing and communications events and activities. Contact: [email protected], 954-767-2439
- Administrative Assistant, Marketing & Communications: Tammy Moye – Provides administrative support to the marketing and communications team. Contact: [email protected], 954-767-2473
3.3. Convention & Group Sales
This department focuses on attracting meetings, conventions, and group travel to Broward County. Key members include:
- Vice President, Business Development & Sales Operations: Michael Pouey – Leads the convention and group sales efforts for Visit Lauderdale. Contact: [email protected], 954-767-2469
- Team Leader, Group & Convention Sales Operations: Eduardo Zuniga – Manages the day-to-day operations of the group and convention sales team. Contact: [email protected], 954-767-2412
- Program Project Coordinator: Silvia A. Fernandez – Provides support for convention and group sales projects. Contact: [email protected], 954-767-2419
3.4. Small Meetings
- Sales Executive, Meeting Sales: Anna Levin Segal – Focuses on attracting small meetings to Broward County. Contact: [email protected], 954-767-2471
3.5. Regional Sales Teams
Visit Lauderdale has regional sales teams focused on specific geographic areas. These teams work to attract meetings and conventions from their respective regions.
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Mid-Atlantic Regional Sales Executive: Dion James Zanfordino – Contact: [email protected], 954-830-1274
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Midwest Regional Sales Executive: Liz Kara – Contact: [email protected], 954-464-7659
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Northeast Regional Sales Executive: Agnes Zaranski – Contact: [email protected], 954-205-3052
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Regional Sales Executive (South & West Coast Associations): Elena Gladstone – Contact: [email protected], 954-767-2461
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Regional Sales Executive (Southeast Corporate): Gilbert Villard – Contact: [email protected], 954-767-2481
3.6. Sales & Services
- Manager: Celia Thompson – Manages sales and services for the convention and group sales department. Contact: [email protected], 954-767-2462
3.7. Sports and Entertainment
This department focuses on attracting sporting events and entertainment options to Broward County. Key members include:
- Vice President, Sports & Entertainment: Glen Allen – Leads the sports and entertainment efforts for Visit Lauderdale. Contact: [email protected], 954-767-2470
- Manager, Sports & Entertainment: Saskia Fisher – Manages sports and entertainment events and activities. Contact: [email protected], 954-767-2455
- Manager, Sports & Entertainment: Gonzalo Rubio – Manages sports and entertainment events and activities. Contact: [email protected], 954-767-2468
- Manager, Sports & Entertainment: Lisa Lipfield – Manages sports and entertainment events and activities. Contact: [email protected], 954-767-2465
- Administrative Assistant: Kerry-Ann Brodie – Provides administrative support to the sports and entertainment team. Contact: [email protected], 954-767-2438
3.8. Multicultural Business & Community Engagement
This department focuses on engaging with multicultural communities and businesses to promote tourism. Key members include:
- Vice President, Multicultural Business and Community Engagement: Neki Mohan – Leads the multicultural business and community engagement efforts for Visit Lauderdale. Contact: [email protected], 954-767-2456
- Business Development Manager: Ruby Escalante-DeVitto – Develops business relationships with multicultural businesses and organizations. Contact: [email protected], 9547672483
3.9. Global Travel Trade
This department focuses on engaging with travel agents, tour operators, and other industry professionals to increase visitation from around the world. Key members include:
- Senior Vice President, Global Trade Development: Tracy Vaughan – Leads the global travel trade efforts for Visit Lauderdale. Contact: [email protected], 954-767-2448
- Senior Manager, Global Trade Development: Caitlan Etchevers – Manages global travel trade programs and activities. Contact: [email protected], 954-767-2482
- Senior Manager, Global Trade Development: Paul Mason – Manages global travel trade programs and activities. Contact: [email protected], 954-767-2446
- Business Development Manager: Roger Dudley – Develops business relationships with travel trade partners. Contact: [email protected], 954-767-2474
- Customer Relations Specialist: Hasan Shakoor – Provides customer service and support to travel trade partners. Contact: [email protected], 954-767-2466
- Administrative Assistant: Willine Elusma – Provides administrative support to the global travel trade team. Contact: [email protected]
3.10. Destination Services
This department provides information and support to visitors to help them plan their trips and make the most of their time in Broward County. Key members include:
- Manager, Destination Services: Olivia Smith – Manages the destination services team and programs. Contact: [email protected], 954-767-2476
- Partner Engagement Specialist: Brittney Lumb – Engages with local businesses and organizations to enhance the visitor experience. Contact: [email protected], 954-812-2634
- Customer Relations Specialist: Marie Anne Leon – Provides customer service and support to visitors. Contact: [email protected], 954-767-2457
3.11. Administrative Support Team
- Executive Assistant to the CEO/President, Stacy Ritter: Kathy Hall – Provides executive support to the President & CEO. Contact: [email protected], 954-767-2443
- Convention Sales Assistant: Juliet Roache – Provides support to the convention sales team. Contact: [email protected], 954-767-2475
- Administrative Specialist: Shantal McFarlane-Hall – Provides administrative support to various departments. Contact: [email protected], 954-767-2453
3.12. Administration
This department oversees the financial and administrative operations of Visit Lauderdale. Key members include:
- Senior Vice President, Administration: Candace Hartsell – Oversees the financial and administrative operations of Visit Lauderdale. Contact: [email protected], 954-767-2480
- Vice President of Research, Strategy & Revenue Management: Ted Botimer – Leads research, strategy, and revenue management efforts for Visit Lauderdale. Contact: [email protected], 954-591-0791
- Manager, Administration: Cynthia Burroughs Wimberly – Manages administrative functions for Visit Lauderdale. Contact: [email protected], 954-767-2463
- Senior Administrative Officer: Kareen Joseph – Provides administrative support to various departments. Contact: [email protected], 954-767-2413
- Administrative Coordinator: Taran Sanders – Provides administrative support to various departments. Contact: [email protected], 954-767-2452
4. The Benefits of Working with Visit Lauderdale
Working with Visit Lauderdale can offer numerous benefits for both visitors and local businesses.
4.1. For Visitors
- Comprehensive Information: Access to a wealth of information on accommodations, attractions, events, and transportation.
- Insider Tips: Recommendations and insights from local experts to help you discover the best of Broward County.
- Personalized Assistance: Support from destination services staff to help you plan your trip and answer your questions.
4.2. For Local Businesses
- Increased Visibility: Opportunities to promote your business through Visit Lauderdale’s marketing channels.
- Networking Opportunities: Connections with other local businesses and industry professionals.
- Advocacy: Support from Visit Lauderdale in advocating for policies that benefit the tourism industry.
5. Contacting Visit Lauderdale
Visit Lauderdale is located at:
101 NE 3rd Ave., Suite 100
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
You can reach Visit Lauderdale by phone at 954-765-4466 or by email at [email protected].
The Visit Lauderdale office is located at 101 NE 3rd Avenue, and the entrance is on the south side of the building. Metered parking is available on the first floor of the City Hall Garage (entrance on NE 1st Street), just west of the GFLCVB office building.
6. How SIXT.VN Enhances Your Travel Experience
While Visit Lauderdale focuses on promoting tourism in Broward County, Florida, SIXT.VN enhances your
