Yesterday evening I went to the Broward County Convention Center to hear a talk on Future Trends in the International Tourism Industry. It was my first visit to the convention center, and I noted the marine-themed carpeting and, outside, the large sculpture pool of two frolicking marlins.
Alfredo Gonzalez, vice president of tourism and international business at the Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB, began by saying that he was not going to give a presentation, let alone a power-point talk, as that would put everyone to sleep. No, he wanted this to be interactive. Then he called up a slide, with a list of points, and began his presentation.
There were no new trends, just the same rosy, boosterish picture of more and more South Americans, Canadians, and Europeans coming to South Florida. Though there was some news, or rather a hint of something that could someday qualify as news: talks are in progress with Czech Airlines to start direct flights between Fort Lauderdale and Prague.
One question (interactive at last) was from a woman who worried that the poor quality of service in South Florida adversely affects our ability to attract tourists. She knew some people who had recently stayed at the new W hotel on Fort Lauderdale beach, and had found the service wanting. Someone else in the audience suggested that the problem there was that they bring in all these beautiful people who don't know a thing about hospitality.
Of course, I don't stay in hotels in South Florida, and when I go to restaurants, it's often to places where I'm familiar. Though I have noticed that, whenever I travel to any other part of the country, I am always struck by how friendly people are. I never was able to pinpoint why this is, but last night gave me a possible clue: We have too many beautiful people here.
