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Cautious optimism for Fort Lauderdale tourism following Hurricane Irma

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau has advised the destination is no longer under any weather watches, warnings or advisories following Hurricane Irma. 

The Florida east coast destination fared well as the storm moved away from the area in a more south-westerly direction on Sunday, and winds began to lessen. 

Weather conditions are currently good and clean-up efforts are underway, with some businesses and residents still without power.

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades resumed operations at 04:00 yesterday.

Four cruise ships that were delayed due to the storm are scheduled to return to Port Everglades before Wednesday. 

The Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Centre is fully operational.

Many of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s hotels remained open during the storm providing shelter and accommodations to visitors and residents. 

Hotels along the area’s coast line have reported no damage and are in the process of reopening by the end of this weekend as power is restored, per Florida Power & Light. 

“We are blessed for sure,” said Stacy Ritter, president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.

“The storm was bigger than ever imagined and very concerning for our visitors and 1.9 million residents.

“Broward County was well prepared with emergency services, and clean-up activities are taking place throughout the area.

“The high-code standards of our many new buildings showed that good construction pays off. 

“We expect to be back to normal operations and welcoming vacationers and scheduled meetings and conference attendees shortly.”

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