South Florida’s hospitality industry expected the FIFA World Cup to score a major win for business, but for many operators, the tournament fell short of the anticipated economic windfall during the region’s slow season. Hotel executives and restaurant operators reported lower-than-expected business despite seven matches at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens between June 15 and July 18. Hotels benefited from higher room rates during marquee match days, helping boost revenue, despite occupancy declines and shorter guest stays. Restaurants, meanwhile, reported mixed results, with operators saying success depended on aggressive marketing, watch parties and appealing to local customers rather than […] This article originally appeared on The Real Deal. Click here to read the full story.