December Vital Stats
December numbers are in, and we are happy to report increases in hotel occupancy to 70.1%, a .1% increase over December 2006, and the average daily room rate was $125.64, an 8.4% increase over December 2006.

New York City Blitz
The warmth of Greater Fort Lauderdale will be wrapped around the Toys R Us building at 44th and Broadway in Times Square through Feb 15, with the message "78° and sunny (again)." This year's NYC blitz was a collaborative effort integrating sales and advertising and public relations. Nicki Grossman and John Webb, and the M Silver public relations team, together with the StarMark advertising team focused January efforts on communication to meeting planners, media and consumers in the NY market. The weather gods were aligned with GFL again. It was 60 degrees on Saturday before the blitz began. The first snow flurries began on opening day with a cold weather streak to follow. Temps were down to 27. Our newly designed beachmobile with our sunny.org radio music playing is still cruising NYC inviting residents to visit. Ice scrapers and Vacation Planners were handed out by beachmobile driver. Marc USA designed a huge Times Square billboard at 44th street and Broadway above Toys R Us. CVB ads were on the front page of the Friday NY Times Escapes section, 7 weeks of insertions. GFL was the destination sponsor of the NY Times Arts and Leisure Week speaker series with Martha Stewart, Mel Brooks, Josh Brolin, Tom Brokaw and more. Beach Chic hot pink luxury insert was distributed to an upscale audience. We were able to invite media and meeting planners to attend sold out events as a guest of GFL.

Last week, Nicki had 25 media interviews in three days, plus three evening events with Conde Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure and OutTraveler for meeting planners, media and gay consumers. Bathing suit models with Fort Lauderdale signs and the beachmobile made it on the CBS Morning Show. And at the same time, our new TV spots began running on national cable and targeted networks in conjunction with Visit Florida. Click the graphic at left to see Nicki's interview with Modern Agent.

New commericals hit the airwaives
Click to watch two new TV spots that began running at end of January to help drive business.
"Floating Bed" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBDFEOvK0zQ
"Boys with Toys" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krLnM_yL-IA

Groundhog Day
Groundhog Day email campaign was broadcast last week to more than 200,000 in our database in combination with a beach towel giveaway. The campaign recently won an HSMAI Adrian Award for web marketing. www.sunny.org/groundhog

Leap Year Promotion
For last minute bookings for Superior Small Lodging properties, the CVB developed a Leap Year Day promotion: Leap Year day is free in GFL. Travelers booking a three-night stay with a participating SSL, between Feb 26-Mar 4 will stay Feb 29 (Leap Year Day) for free. Bookings must be made before Valentine's Day. Visit www.sunny.org/leapyear for details.

Upcoming Media Visits
This month, the PR department welcomes Inni Carini–Holm, Eva magazine in Norway; USA-Reise.de, German travel website; Daily Star and the Daily Express; and Steve Marantz, Gatehouse News Service.

Celebrity Sightings
Actor Jon Voight spent time in Broward last month, endorsing his candidate Rudy Guiliani. Pamela Anderson was in town for an appearance and requested take out from Sublime's innovative vegetarian menu during her stay at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Tourism Sales Update
Josh Winston heads to Boston this week for a travel agent event.

Beachmobile Across the Pond
Alfredo Gonzalez, Vice President of Tourism & International Business, just got back from England and the debut of the Beach on Wheels 12-city UK tour with lots of successful media results throughout the country. Promotions in conjunction with Zoom Airlines, starting direct service in May. An upcoming fam for Zoom Airlines from Gatwick is in the works.

Multicultural Business Development
Nicki Grossman was recognized by the Sistrunk Historical Festival as an Outstanding Achievement Honoree this weekend at the Broward County Convention Center. The Delta’s GEMS’s leadership conference takes place Feb 15-17 at the Embassy Suites 17th Street with more than 400 youth from around the state will participate. Albert Tucker, Vice President of Multicultural Business Development, with help from the 100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale and the local president Dennis Wright, has secured the 2010 national conference for the 100 Black Men of America, at the Westin Diplomat Hotel. The CVB has seen an increase in family reunion inquiries, with more than 150 inquires in 2008, due to word of mouth and continued support from the local community.

Black History Month
In celebratration of Black History Month, the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society presents a new exhibition Community: African-Americans in Fort Lauderdale, 1890s-1960s, which runs through April 27 and takes a look at the Black presence and influence in Fort Lauderdale.

February Convention Sales Update
Groups meeting in February generate more than $25 million to Broward County. Sample groups include:
Feb 4-11: PRI-MED South 2008 (4,000 attendees)
Feb 16-23: Incentivare Brasil Viagens e Turismo Ltda. (650 attendees)
Feb 22-Mar 3: Association of the United States Army (4,500 attendees)

Sport Lauderdale
Greater Fort Lauderdale welcomes the following sports groups in February, with more than 43,600 competitors plus family and friends:
Feb 1-4: Fort Lauderdale Sports Spectacular (2,500 attendees)
Feb 1-2: Florida Gold Coast BC Sizzler Swim Meet (1,000 attendees)
Feb 1-10: Major League Soccer Pre Season Training (1,100 attendees)
Feb 5-9: FHSAA Girls High School State Soccer Championships (5,000 attendees)
Feb 6-10: Les Grandes Dames Tennis Tournament (800 attendees)
Feb 12-16: FHSAA Boys High School State Soccer Championships (5,000 attendees)
Feb 14-17: International Water Polo Tournament (3,500 attendees)
Feb 15-17: Presidential Classic (1,000 attendees)
Feb 15-19: Mercantile Soccer International Invitational (2,500 attendees)
Feb 15-19: 2008 GLTA Clay Court Classic (2,500 attendees)
Feb 17-18: A1A Marathon Conference (8,900 attendees)
Feb 22-24: Presidential Classic (1,000 attendees)
Feb 23-25: Festivals Division Youth Soccer (1,500 attendees)
Feb 27-Mar 2: Fort Lauderdale Billfish Tournament/Expo (5,000 attendees)
Feb 28-Mar 2: Short Course Jr. Olympics Swimming (2,300 attendees)

Hotel News
Congratulations to the St. Regis Resort, Fort Lauderdale for being awarded four stars from Mobil. Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort's two restaurants are set to open in April. Hyatt Regency Pier 66 debuted a new Sunday brunch in the PierTop. Holiday Inn Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood Airport was awarded the Renovation of the Year by parent company IHG. On Valentine's Day, the Gallery One Doubletree Hotel launches its weekly Thursday night "Jazz on the Water" live music program in conjunction with the Gold Coast Jazz Society. Fort Lauderdale Grande Hotel is now open, with completely renovated lobby, meeting space and tower rooms.

Good Eats
Riley McDermott's is now open at 401 East Las Olas Blvd in downtown Fort Lauderdale, with a semi-private loft area that holds 70 people, and a wine room that holds 18. Pazzo's Cucina Italiana and Lounge opened on 17th Street.

The Plane Facts: FLL News
Total passenger traffic for December 2007 was 2,085,782, up 8.9% over December 2006. International traffic was 301,246 passengers, up 26.5% over last year, making it the first time international traffic exceeded the 300,000 milestone. Year-end total traffic for 2007 was 22,681,903 up 6.1% over 2006 and exceeded 2005 levels by 291,618 passengers. International traffic for the year was 2,858,047, up 20.4% over 2006.

Zoom Airlines, the leading low-fare trans-Atlantic airline, has announced a new route from London Gatwick to Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport beginning in May, with twice-weekly service. Spirit Airlines launched new nonstop service from Panama, and announced nonstop service from San Antonio, plus Boston beginning in April.

Seminole Tribe News
Nearly 1,000 new Vegas-style slots are now available at Seminole Hard Rock Casino, including both the new high-limit gaming area and the non-smoking gaming area. The Seminole Tribe expects to eventually have more than 15,000 new machines in its casino, plus blackjack, baccarat and other card games. Seminole Hard Rock hosts the Michael Irvin Third Annual PlayMaker Charities and Foundation Fundraiser, March 7-8 and includes a golf tournament, youth football clinic, flag football championship and celebrity poolside party. Billie Swamp Safari introduces new exclusive 90-minute in-depth Swamp Buggy eco-tours in April -- private tours, which include a dining experience prior to departure, are available for booking seven days a week at 800-GO-SAFARI.

Arts Park Offers Classes for Residents and Visitors
The artists in the new Visual Arts Pavilion at ArtsPark in Hollywood now offer the following classes for residents and visitors: Glass blowing, metal work including jewelry, fine arts for adults and children, ranging from sculpture to environmental art. Visit www.artsparkatyoungcircle.org or email artspark@hollywoodfl.org for class schedules.

Jazz at Sea
SeaEscape introduces its inaugural Jazz at Sea cruise on February 17 from 11am-4:30pm, featuring the Dixie Boppers Jazz Quintet. $32.95 per person plus tax and port security fee. Group rates available.

Fort Lauderdale Duck Tours Make Splashy Debut
Fort Lauderdale Duck Tours offer amphibious tours via land and sea aboard a U.S. Coast Guard-approved "Hydra-Terra" that seats 45 passengers. The 1 1/2 hour tour includes A1A, Las Olas Blvd., historical districts and Millionaire's Row. The showroom, "Quack Shop" and departure point is located at 17 S. Fort Lauderdale Beach. Visit www.FortLauderdaleDuckTours.com

Happenings Around Town
Through Feb 17: Bodies The Exhibition, Las Olas Riverfront
Through Feb 10: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Broadway, Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Feb 3-June 23: The Great Age of American Automobiles, Museum of Art
Feb 3-June 23: The High Style of Dorothy Draper, Museum of Art
Feb 5: Fat Tuesday on Hollywood Beach
Feb 7-10: Seminole Tribal Fair
Feb 8: Broadwalk Friday Fest, Hollywood Beach
Feb 8-23: ArtExplosion 2008
Feb 8-9: Rubber Stamp & Scrapbook Expo, War Memorial Auditorium
Feb 9: Butterfly Gardening Workshop, Butterfly World
Feb 9: Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival presents Wine Tasting, Food & Film Pairing with Sideways film, Cinema Paradiso
Feb 9-Mar 9: Florida Renaissance Festival, Quiet Waters Park, Deerfield Beach
Feb 10: Sy Sugar's Pops Orchestra, Coral Springs Center for the Arts
Feb 11: Chris Rock, Hard Rock Live
Feb 12-13: David Copperfield, Coral Springs Center for the Arts
Feb 12: Van Halen with Ky-Mani Marley, BankAtlantic Center
Feb 13: Florida Panthers vs. Montreal Canadiens, BankAtlantic Center
Feb 13-Mar 2: Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding, Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Feb 14: Paul Anka, Hard Rock Live
Feb 14: The Pearl Fishers, Florida Grand Opera, Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Feb 15-17: Collector Cars of Fort Lauderdale, Broward Convention Center
Feb 15: Florida Panthers vs. Washington Capitals, BankAtlantic Center
Feb 15-17: Fort Lauderdale RV Show, Broward Convention Center
Feb 15: Mandy Patinkin, Coral Springs Center for the Arts
Feb 15-Mar 31: Orioles Spring Training 2008, Fort Lauderdale Stadium
Feb 15: The Spencers: Theatre of Illusion, Parker Playhouse
Feb 16-17: Donna Summer, Sinatra Theatre presented by BankAtlantic
Feb 16-17: Dudu Fisher, Pompano Beach Amphitheater
Feb 16: Hansel & Gretel, Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Feb 16: The Producers, Broadway, Coral Springs Center for the Arts
Feb 16: United Way of Broward County's 5K Walk/Race for What Matters – 2008, Tradewinds Park
Feb 16: Jazz Impressions, Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center
Feb 17: A1A Marathon, Las Olas Blvd to Hillsboro Inlet
Feb 17: Parrots of the Caribbean, a Jimmy Buffet tribute band, Isle Casino and Racing at Pompano Park
Feb 17: Sy Sugar's Pops Orchestra, Coral Springs Center for the Arts
Feb 17: Sweet Honey in the Rock, Hollywood Beach Main Stage
Feb 17: America concert, Gulfstream Park, Hallandale
Feb 17: Sunday Tea at the Women's International Film Festival CineArt Lounge
Feb 19: Dresden Philharmonic, Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Feb 20: Van Halen, BankAtlantic Center
Feb 20: Michael Buble’, Hard Rock Live
Feb 21: Florida Panthers vs. Boston Bruins, BankAtlantic Center
Feb 21: Madama Butterfly, Gold Coast Opera, Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Feb 21-24: The Great American Trailer Park Musical, Parker Playhouse
Feb 22: Broadwalk Friday Fest, Hollywood Beach
Feb 22-24: Big Cypress Shootout, Billie Swamp Safari, Big Cypress Seminole Reservation
Feb 22-24: Bourrée Fantasque, Miami City Ballet, Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Feb 22-23: Jersey Boys Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Hard Rock Live
Feb 22-24: La Valse, Miami City Ballet, Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Feb 22-24: Nine Sinatra Songs, Miami City Ballet, Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Feb 22: The Italians are Coming-Pat Cooper, The Duprees, etc, Coral Springs Center for the Arts
Feb 23: 28th Annual Sistrunk Parade & Festival, Fort Lauderdale
Feb 23-24: 71st Annual Orange Blossom Festival, Parade & Rodeo, Bergeron Rodeo, Davie
Feb 23: Barry Manilow, BankAtlantic Center
Feb 23: Tom Stevens - An Evening with Dean and Friends, Coral Springs Center for the Arts
Feb 23: Gulfstream Park Turf Race, Hallandale
Feb 24: Engelbert Humperdinck, Sinatra Theatre presented by BankAtlantic
Feb 24: Fountain of Youth Stakes, Gulfstream Park, Hallandale
Feb 27-Mar 2: 42nd Annual Fort Lauderdale Billfish Tournament, Las Olas Marina, Fort Lauderdale
Feb 27: Florida Panthers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs, BankAtlantic Center
Feb 27: Taste of the Beach, El Prado Ave., Lauderdale by the Sea
Feb 28: Anne Murray, Coral Springs Center for the Arts
Feb 28: Carlos Mencia, Hard Rock Live
Feb 28-Mar 23: Dirty Story, Mosaic Theatre
Feb 28-May 11: Exploding the Lotus, Art & Culture Center of Hollywood
Feb 28: Tosca, Florida Grand Opera, Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Feb 29: Florida Panthers vs. Minnesota Wild, BankAtlantic Center

With all best wishes,

Nicki E. Grossman
President