Fort Lauderdale's economy is heavily reliant on tourism.
From the 1940s through the 1980s, the city was known as a spring break
destination for college students. Cruise ships and nautical recreation provide
the basis for much of the revenue raised by tourism. Fort Lauderdale now
attracts a more sophisticated and affluent tourist, while largely ignoring the
dwindling college crowd. There is a convention center located west of the beach
and southeast of downtown, with 600,000 square feet (55,742 m) of space,
including a 200,000-square-foot (18,581 m) main exhibit hall.
Approximately 30% of
