Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/113255
•Pg_19-23__BMT_pg3-58 2/27/13 7:01 AM Page 20 he number of international visitors continues to grow each year in the Birmingham area. The Brand USA program and Travel Promotion Act likely had impact on those increasing numbers. With the increase in international visitors to the Southern states in particular, we continue to work closely with the Alabama Tourism Department in promoting our region. The department takes an active lead in promoting travel to the state at international marketplaces throughout the year. In addition, we work through Alabama's travel representative in the UK market, where visitor numbers are also increasing. Through close association with groups such as Travel South, we also increase our reach in Europe and other markets. Since the opening of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute in 1992, visitors from Japan and Germany have more frequently added Birmingham to their travel itineraries. Birmingham has long been one of the most affordable cities in the South. With reasonable hotel rates, a range of dining choices and many free or low-cost attractions, Birmingham's reputation for quality vacations without the high expense has become more widely known. The city scores off the charts with visitors most notably in the realm of fine dining at moderate prices. Retail and outlet shopping around the area draws international visitors with sales and bargains. And entertainment, such as golf along the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, always surprises with high quality at low cost. JAMES H. SMITHER, PRESIDENT & CEO, GREATER BIRMINGHAM CVB y combining efforts and participating in the Brand USA program, Greater Fort Lauderdale is able to have a larger voice and a greater presence to compete in the global marketplace. Greater Fort Lauderdale's tourism sales department attends international trade shows including World Travel Market in London, ITB in Berlin, POW WOW, La Cumbre, ANATO, and ABAV, to name a few, as well as sales missions and media missions around the globe. In addition, the GFLCVB actively works with VISIT FLORIDA to attend state sponsored events, and has a presence in key markets with sales offices representing the destination in the UK, Germany, Colombia, Argentina, Scandinavia and soon Brazil. Greater Fort Lauderdale offers a great value to international travelers including top shopping at Sawgrass Mills, the largest designer outlet mall in the country, value-added programs and deals, especially during the summer and fall months when family travel is at its peak. T B 20 JACK FERGU PH NICKI E. GROSSMAN, PRESIDENT & CEO OF THE GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE CVB B M & T ••• January/February2013 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com