South Florida Tourism Poised for Record in 2013

South Florida is poised for another record year in tourism in 2013, fueled by gains in international visitors, travel executives predict.

But challenges also loom, including a potential drag on U.S. travel if Washington goes off the fiscal cliff and possible cutback in tourism spending by U.S. northeast residents hit by Superstorm Sandy.

In 2012, South Florida hosted record numbers of visitors who spent more than ever, led by growth in tourism powerhouse Miami-Dade County.

Broward County hit a new high for the budget year: 12 million visitors who spent $9.8 billion, up about 9 percent, thanks largely to surging arrivals from South America. And Palm Beach County hotels were poised to finish the year about 68 percent full, up by 3 points, aided mainly by recovery in the U.S. economy and business travel.

Also spurring tourism: a rebound in real-estate prices and credit. That's reviving the market for new hotels that had stalled with recession. At least two new hotels are slated to open in Broward in 2013: the 105-unit Hampton Inn & Suites in Coconut Creek and the 219-room oceanfront Marriott Pompano Beach. And construction could finally begin on the long-awaited 349-room Margaritaville resort on Hollywood beach, pending final approval for $75 million in funding from Starwood Capital, developers said.

Source: The Sun Sentinel