Greater Fort Lauderdale, FL – November 20, 2008 – Reinventing itself from a spring break town to a casually sophisticated beach chic resort area, Greater Fort Lauderdale has received the distinction of being named the first "preferred destination" in the continental United States by leading luxury travel network, Virtuoso. 

Always on the forefront of new and resurging vacation hot spots, Virtuoso's "preferred destinations" are recognized for offering travelers a distinct mix of luxury accommodations, rich cultural activities, a diverse array of leisure pursuits, eclectic dining and beautiful natural settings.

"We have worked very hard on the transformation of Greater Fort Lauderdale over the past 20 years, and this is a significant milestone," said Nicki Grossman, president, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau "Luxury hotels are rising all along our beautiful beachfront, but beyond the beach we also offer a lot to upscale travelers.  From designer shopping, top restaurants and indulgent spa treatments to yacht charters, championship golf and world-class scuba diving, our destination accommodates the discerning traveler."

The newly revitalized Greater Fort Lauderdale is now home to properties from Ritz-Carlton, the Starwood Luxury Collection, and Hilton, and will be welcoming new properties from W, Westin, and Trump International in 2009. Greater Fort Lauderdale boasts restaurants from celebrity chefs Todd English, Jeffrey Chodorow, Stephen Starr and Johnny Vinczencz; and outlets from top fashion brands like Burberry, Ferragamo, St. John, Judith Ripka, Max Mara, Valentino and David Yurman.

"Virtuoso is delighted to welcome Greater Fort Lauderdale as our first 'preferred destination' in the mainland U.S.," said Cathy Holler, Vice President of Destination Sales for Virtuoso. "Our member agencies and their affluent clientele expect an experience that exceeds expectation when planning a vacation to one of our preferred destinations, and in Greater Fort Lauderdale, we are sure they will enjoy the wonderful attributes of this evolving area." 

As a "preferred destination," Virtuoso works directly with the destination's tourism board to develop a special sales program and marketing materials focused on the affluent traveler.  Additionally, the travel network provides opportunities for its "preferred destinations" to train Virtuoso's member agents to become destination specialists who become familiar with all of the destinations hotels, restaurants and various leisure activities.

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About Greater Fort Lauderdale
The new Greater Fort Lauderdale is a vibrant, "beach chic" destination offering more than 33,000 hotel rooms at a variety of hotels, resorts, and Superior Small Lodgings, plus new high-end, luxury resorts and more to come. Nearly 11 million annual visitors enjoy Greater Fort Lauderdale's 23 miles of Blue Wave Beaches, 300+ miles of inland waterways that run from the Intracoastal to the Everglades, more than 4,000 restaurants, top shopping, and a thriving arts and culture scene.  For more information, contact the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 22-SUNNY or visit www.sunny.org.

About Virtuoso
Virtuoso® is the industry's leading luxury travel network.  This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 300 agencies with more than 6,000 elite travel specialists in 22 countries in North and South America, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand, as well as over 1,000 of the world's best travel providers and premier destinations.  The network's member agencies generate over $5.1 billion annually in travel sales, making the group the most powerful in the luxury travel segment.  Their relationships with the finest travel companies provide the network's affluent clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access.  Virtuoso is the exclusive network of travel services and benefits provided by MasterCard® for participating World Elite MasterCard® programs. For more information, please visit www.virtuoso.com.

11/2008