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Published: August 30 2011

GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. ­ Aug. 30, 2011 ­ Despite the challenges facing the national economy, Greater Fort Lauderdale's tourism industry, fueled by nearly 11 million visitors from around the world, has continued to grow consistently over the last 20 months.

"For every 85 visitors, one job is created. Tourists you gotta love 'em," says Nicki E. Grossman, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau President.

Top ten signs of tourism growth in Greater Fort Lauderdale:

HEADS IN BEDS: This July had the highest hotel occupancy since 2006, up 7.8% from 2010. Overall, year-to-date hotel occupancy is 74.4%, up 6.1% year-over-year. July 2011 saw the highest Average Daily Rate since 2008 and has been "in the black" for the past five months. Tourist tax collections show double-digit growth over the last four months with an increase of 12.2% in June 2011 and 11.6% in May 2011. March and April also had dramatic increases with 15.4% and 25.2%. Bed Tax Collections through June 2011 are up 9.1%.

ROCKIN' TV AND MOVIES: With 375 film and entertainment projects pouring nearly $150 million into the local economy since last April, more than 20,000 hotel room nights can be credited to the entertainment industry. Highlights include A&E's The Glades, as well as the major motion picture Rock of Ages, starring Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin, Russell Brand and others.

SPORT LAUDERDALE: The Sports Development division hosted more than 480 sports groups inBrowardCounty including Junior U.S. Open Judo, USTA Boys Tennis, Pan Am Track and Field, and Junior Beach Volleyball in July. Even racing under the sea has been in town with the Gold Coast Underwater Grand Prix, part of the wreck racing league world tour.

MEETINGS WITH A VIEW: The Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center is celebrating its 20th anniversary milestone, this September. This year will also mark the building's attainment of LEED status, completing a two year environmental certification program inside and out. The Center is preparing for the largest annual event of the season, the 52nd Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show this October. Even Ken and Barbie visitedFort Lauderdale beach to celebrate 50 years together at the National Barbie Doll Collectors Convention.

THE PLANE FACTS: July marked the 23rd consecutive month of positive growth in total passenger traffic at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Expanded service fromLos Angeles and new service on Vision Airlines continue the upswing in visitor numbers.

CRUISE CHIC: Cruise traffic at Port Everglades jumped 25 percent during the first quarter of 2011, setting a world record for total passengers. These increases are due in large part to the addition of Royal Caribbean's second 5,400-passenger Oasis-class cruise ship, Allure of the Seas, which along with her sister ship, Oasis of the Seas, is sailing year-round.

NOT VERY TAXING: The typical visitor toFort Lauderdale will pay 80% less taxes than a tourist inChicago, according to a new analysis by Global Business Travel Association, which just rankedFort Lauderdale the lowest tax-imposing of the top 50U.S. cities in their annual study of car rental, hotel and meal taxes.

FEELING HOT, HOT, HOT: The summer of 2011 has been sizzling with values. With record high temps across the nation, Greater Fort Lauderdale offered cool savings on attractions, hotels and even free upgrades. Super Summer Savings for families provide 2-for-1 admission to dozens of attractions and the Vacation Like a VIP program includes free room upgrade, a $25 American Express gift card, $100 credit for spa, dining and more, as well as free valet parking -- celeb treatment without the high price tag.

INTERNATIONAL SPOTLIGHT: Canada andBrazil continue to be Greater Fort Lauderdale's top international markets. Growth in visitation from the Caribbean,Colombia,Argentina and theUK are welcomed signs of continued success.

ALL IN THE FAMILY: GreaterFort Lauderdale is a perfect setting for family reunions and social gatherings. This summer the destination continued to witness increased growth in family reunions, doubling the amount held in the year previous. Special multicultural business department programs have also resulted in more groups hosting events in the area such as the National Baptist Congress which welcomed more than 10,000 attendees recently.

For more information about Greater Fort Lauderdale, visit www.sunny.org.