There’s always been something familiar and comforting about Fort Lauderdale – maybe because the destination considers Canada as family. In this week’s Take 5, we check in with Paul Mason, Senior Manager, Global Trade Development at Visit Lauderdale, who is assuring Canadians that they are still welcome and appreciated at any time of year.
Paddleboarding – Credit Visit Lauderdale
- Fort Lauderdale will be hosting IPW 2026. How is the city preparing for the role and what do you have planned that will give the show a distinct local stamp?
“We’re going to showcase our 31 municipalities – that’s important – plus emphasize our culinary scene, our arts and culture and, of course, the waterways. We are going to showcase who we are and how we are separate from Miami. We are not Miami – we are Fort Lauderdale. We’re more of a family destination and are all about water sports and water activities – anything that is below and above water.
“The idea is to basically immerse all the attendees into our locality. How are we going to do that? Some of that’s still a secret, of course. Keep in mind, it’s the first time in 10 years that IPW will be hosted at a beach location.
“Each event, from the press brunch (there’ll be some surprises on that) will be held within Broward County. Most Canadians will come right into Fort Lauderdale; there’ll be a lot of international guests who will go into Orlando so we’ll have a lot of work with Brightline as well.”
- U.S.-bound travel from Canada has declined this year as a result of trade tensions. What kind of impact are you seeing on the ground as a result, and what is your message to Canadians during this time?
“Canada is our largest inbound country – its #1 by far and that’s not going to change, even with what’s going on right now. We have direct air service from multiple Canadian gateways into Fort Lauderdale’s Hollywood International Airport. It remains a strong selling point.
“Canada remains one of fort Lauderdale’s most important international markets and has historically been our top source of overseas visitors. Are we down right now? Yes, a little bit, of course. In Q2, we were down 12%. But our Canadian friends have been coming here – whether it’s to their homes or a hotel in Lauderdale or Hollywood – for 50, 60, 70 years. And it’s often the same week, same room, every year. We’re generational and that’s not going to change.
“Our message is that the Greater Fort Lauderdale region is open, welcoming and ready to provide an exceptional vacation experience. We welcome our snowbirds. We love our Canadians and the airlines are still flying to Lauderdale, with Porter adding new direct service from Hamilton, which is promising. And on a personal note, I love Canadians and I love hockey!”
- For Canadians who need an extra incentive to book the U.S., right now, what added value does Fort Lauderdale offer them? Any current promotions?
“As a tourist board, we are not in a position to offer promotions – that would have to come from our partners and individual hotels. But what we can offer is year-round sunshine, 24 miles of golden beaches and an average temperature of 77 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s a perfect escape from the cold Canadian winters.”
- What’s in the pipeline in terms of new developments?
“This past spring, we welcomed the new one-Michelin-starred MAASS at the Four Seasons. Coming up is our Dine Out Lauderdale program, Greater Fort Lauderdale’s premier annual culinary celebration from Aug. 1–Sept. 30, 2025, featuring discounted rates. As for hotels, there’s the new 801-room Omni Fort Lauderdale, which interconnects to the Convention Centre and features a new additional expansion. Plus, Pier 66 just reopened in January aver a years-long makeover.
“Launching in January 2026 is our new EVOLVED brand campaign, which evolves our brand to focus on the role water plays in the guest experience. It’s inspired by our 300 miles of navigable waterways that are designed to leave travellers with a lasting sense of freedom and fun.”
- Fort Lauderdale has always been known for its beaches, but what are some things about the destination that would surprise Canadians?
“We are known as the ‘Venice of America’ and considered the yachting capital of the world. We have over 3,000 hours of annual sunshine. Our residents hail from 170 countries, speaking 147 languages. And you can experience more than 4,000 eateries, not to mention our thriving arts and cultural scene.
“We are here and ready to welcome you. We are still the same place you know and love. Canadians are family and that will never change.”
For more information about the Greater Fort Lauderdale region, go to www.visitlauderdale.com.
Airboat – Credit Visit Lauderdale
