Convention Bookings Rise Despite Boycott: Tourism officials...

Convention Bookings Rise Despite Boycott: Tourism officials in Dade County, Fla., say convention bookings are on the rise despite a five-month-old boycott organized by members of Miami’s black community angry over the local reception given South African ANC leader Nelson Mandela. The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau said bookings during October and November--the first two months of the fiscal year--rose by a record amount. The bureau said 45 conventions equal to 142,987 room-nights were confirmed during those two months. Bureau officials said the bookings will have a direct economic impact of more than $54.1 million. By comparison, 32 conventions equal to 90,652 room-nights were booked a year ago, officials said.