Fernando Harb

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau has announced the promotion of Fernando Harb to vice president of tourism sales.

In his new position, Harb will expand his current tourism development responsibilities to include spearheading market growth in Brazil, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Scotland, Europe, Scandinavia and Latin America.

Additional responsibilities include overseeing four international tourism offices representing Greater Fort Lauderdale and the selection of a fifth one in Brazil, a top international market for the destination.

Harb has been with the Convention & Visitors Bureau since 2007 handling domestic sales as well as supporting the international market, with an emphasis on Brazil, working with travel agents, tour operators, and wholesalers. In addition, Harb has been instrumental in helping to attract new airline service, working with cruise lines and successfully launched Greater Fort Lauderdale as the first US destination in the Virtuoso luxury travel tourism program.

“Fernando has been an important driver in Greater Fort Lauderdale’s domestic and international tourism success,” said Nicki E. Grossman, president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Harb was formerly president of the South Florida Chapter of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI). He has held sales and marketing positions at the Hollywood Beach Marriott, Roney Palace Beach Resort in Miami Beach, RIHGA Royal, Grand Bay and Parc 51 Hotels in New York City, and Sheraton Hotels in Germany and Brazil. Harb is fluent in German, Spanish and Portuguese.

Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, www.sunny.org