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Tourism is Big Business

At the Broward Tourism Day event last month, one of the handouts highlighted the economic impact of our industry. Tourism, more so than any other single private sector industry, benefits Greater Fort Lauderdale. Visitors generate sales tax revenues that pay for resident public services and help make a better quality of life here for everyone.

Some of the 2007 Greater FLL facts and figures included: The total number of visitors: 10.6 million; Visitor spending: $8.87 billion; and The number of people employed in the tourism industry in Broward County: 118,525. Keep in mind that these figures are "direct" spending numbers. They don't take into account what they call the multiplier effect -- the amount a dollar turns over within the community and is re-spent -- and the jobs generated to assist those of us working in the tourism industry.

So, how big an impact does tourism have in your area? What facilities wouldn't you have to enjoy -- schools, road improvements, arts and entertainment venues -- if tourists didn't come to visit?