top of page
Search

Greater Miami & Miami Beach Tourism Celebrates 2025 Success and Sets Sights on a Dynamic 2026

ree

Tourism in Greater Miami and Miami Beach continues to flourish — and all signs point to an even brighter future. This message resonated throughout the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau’s (GMCVB) annual meeting, held on 6 November at the Coastal Convention Centre at the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach.


More than 600 partners, stakeholders and civic leaders gathered to acknowledge a year defined by resilience, strategic innovation and impressive growth. Despite global economic challenges, Miami-Dade County’s tourism sector not only stayed the course but strengthened its position as a world-class destination.


A Year Marked by Remarkable Growth


From July 2024 to June 2025, the destination delivered exceptional performance across key tourism metrics:


  • 28.2 million visitors — a 4.5% year-on-year increase

  • £21.3 billion in visitor spending — a 3% rise, even amid economic uncertainty

  • 31% of visitors originating from Florida, signalling strong in-state demand

  • Domestic travel accounting for 46% of total visitation, demonstrating continued interest from major U.S. markets

  • Strong hotel performance, with a 2.4% increase in average daily rate


These achievements highlight the destination’s ability to stand out through bold marketing initiatives, collaborative partnerships and memorable visitor experiences.


Local Leaders Champion Tourism’s Positive Impact


Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner were among the officials in attendance, emphasising tourism’s critical role in supporting jobs, boosting the local economy and enhancing quality of life for residents.


GMCVB President and CEO David Whitaker praised the sector’s resilience and innovative approach:

“These results tell a powerful story about how our destination leaned into global headwinds. As we build towards 2026, our momentum is clearly defined — fuelled by signature GMCVB programmes such as Miami Spice, increased convention bookings, and a host of major global events set to take place in Miami.”

2026: A Year Set for Global Spotlight


The coming year promises to be one of the most exciting in Miami’s tourism history. The destination is preparing to welcome a line-up of major international events, including:


  • The College Football Playoff National Championship

  • The World Baseball Classic

  • PGA TOUR events

  • The NASCAR Cup Series Championship

  • FIFA World Cup 2026 fixtures


On the business front, the tourism sector anticipates strong convention growth with the forthcoming opening of the Grand Hyatt Miami Beach Convention Centre headquarters hotel, expected to attract even more high-profile meetings and conferences.


Julissa Kepner, GMCVB Board Chair and General Manager of the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay, reaffirmed the organisation’s forward momentum:

“We’re building on the lessons of the past year to shape our strategies for the future. Greater Miami and Miami Beach will continue to reflect the strength, resilience and spirit of our community.”

Expanding Leadership and Strategic Priorities


The GMCVB also welcomed four new directors to its board, representing diverse leadership within Miami-Dade’s business community:


  • Mickael Damelincourt – Managing Director, Trump National Doral Miami

  • Christine Duffy – President, Carnival Cruise Line

  • Robin Jacobs – Chair, Miami Beach Convention Center Advisory Board

  • Florencia Tabeni – Chief Operating Officer, MDM Hotel Group


Looking ahead, the organisation’s expanded priorities include:


  • Strengthening engagement across local neighbourhoods

  • Enhancing marketing strategies for luxury and upscale travellers

  • Expanding hospitality career development pathways

  • Leveraging music as a key driver of destination appeal

  • Growing arts and cultural programming


A Destination Poised for Continued Success


With rising visitor numbers, robust hotel performance and an exceptional calendar of global events, Greater Miami and Miami Beach are preparing for a landmark year in 2026. The destination’s commitment to innovation, partnership and excellence ensures that its trajectory remains firmly on the rise.


Miami’s star continues not only to shine — but to shine brighter than ever.


Comments

bottom of page