Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau celebrates a year of resilience and growth, and projects a promising 2026 for tourism in the metropolitan area

The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) annual meeting brought together more than 600 partners and industry leaders at the Coastal Convention Center in Fontainebleau Miami Beach to review achievements for 2025 and outline a vision for the future that keeps Greater Miami and Miami Beach as global leaders in tourism, hospitality, and innovation.

Statistics for the period from July 2024 to June 2025 reflect a total visitor expenditure of $21.3 billion, representing a year-over-year growth of 3%, consolidating the role of tourism as a key driver of economic development in Miami-Dade County.

A year of sustained growth

During the meeting, County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner highlighted the progress made in the last year, in which the destination reaffirmed its appeal for leisure, business and convention tourism, driven by innovative marketing campaigns and unique experiences.

Among the main indicators, the following stood out:

28.2 million visitors to Miami-Dade County, a 4.5% increase over the previous year.

Florida residents accounted for 31% of total visits, demonstrating strong domestic market demand.

Domestic visits remained stable, comprising 46% of the total, reflecting the loyalty of the main source markets in the United States.

“These results tell a story of resilience and excellence. Our destination remained competitive, and our hotels continue to rank among the best in the nation, with a 2.4% increase in average daily rate,”
said David Whitaker, president and CEO of GMCVB.
“Looking ahead to 2026, our momentum is clear: flagship programs like Miami Spice, 59 MICHELIN-recognized restaurants, the new Grand Hyatt Miami Beach Convention Center, and major global events such as the College Football Playoff National Championship, the World Baseball Classic, the PGA Tour, the NASCAR Cup Series Championship, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup will make for an exceptional year.”

Leadership and projection

For her part, Julissa Kepner, president of the GMCVB Board of Directors and general manager of the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay, highlighted the importance of leveraging the lessons learned from the past year:

“We are encouraged by the momentum we have generated. We are shaping strategies that will keep Greater Miami and Miami Beach at the forefront of global travel, reflecting the strength and spirit of our community.”

During the session, Christine Valls, Chair of the Nominations Committee, introduced the new members of the GMCVB Board of Directors, who will contribute their experience from different sectors of tourism and hospitality:

Mickael Damelincourt, Director General de Trump National Doral Miami

Christine Duffy, Presidenta de Carnival Cruise Line

Robin Jacobs, Chairman of the Miami Beach Convention Center Advisory Board

Florencia Tabeni, Director of Operations at MDM Hotel Group

Finally, Whitaker highlighted the organization's strategic priorities for 2026, which include strengthening engagement with local neighborhoods, expanding marketing aimed at the luxury and high-end traveler segment, boosting professional development in the hotel industry, and integrating music, art, and culture as fundamental pillars of destination promotion.

With a strategy focused on innovation and collaboration, Greater Miami and Miami Beach are preparing for a 2026 marked by major international events, sustained growth, and a renewed commitment to the well-being of their communities and visitors.