Miami, an unstoppable economic engine and epicenter of global events

Greater Miami and Miami Beach have not only overcome global economic challenges, but have positioned themselves as an unstoppable tourism engine, generating an impressive economic impact of $21.3 billion in the last year (July 2024 - June 2025), a year-over-year increase of 3%. This remarkable achievement was the central theme of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau's (GMCVB) annual meeting, held on Thursday, November 6, at the Coastal Convention Center in Fontainebleau Miami Beach, where the results of its strategic initiatives were highlighted and an even more promising future for 2026 was outlined

With over 600 partners and stakeholders in attendance, the event celebrated robust growth indicators in the tourism sector and outlined strategies that will propel Miami-Dade's industry forward, benefiting the quality of life for its residents and businesses. Speakers included Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner.

During the period from July 2024 to June 2025, Miami-Dade County maintained its market position as a leisure, business, and convention destination, leveraging the appeal generated by its bold tourism marketing programs and memorable event experiences. Highlights include:

* 28.2 million visitors to Miami-Dade County – a 4.5% year-over-year increase

* Visits from Florida residents account for over 31% of total visitors, demonstrating strong demand from in-state markets

* Domestic visits remained stable, representing 46% of total visitors, indicating steady demand from key US markets

“These results tell a compelling story about how our destination weathered global adversity and the ability of our industry partners to deliver a quality visitor experience, helping us stand out from the competition. Our hotels remained 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 clearly defined, driven by flagship GMCVB programs such as Miami Spice, which draws attention to our destination’s 59 MICHELIN-Distinguished restaurants, increased convention bookings ahead of the opening of the new Grand Hyatt Miami Beach Convention Center, the host hotel, and a host of major global events including the College Football Playoff National Championship, World Baseball Classic, PGA Tour, NASCAR Cup Series Championship, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, among others.”

Julissa Kepner, chair of the GMCVB board of directors and general manager of the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay, shared, “Looking ahead to 2026, we are encouraged by the momentum we have generated. We are leveraging the lessons of the past year to shape our strategies, ensuring that Greater Miami and Miami Beach remain at the forefront of global travel and continue to reflect the strength and spirit of our community.”

During the event, GMCVB Nominating Committee Chair Christine Valls introduced four new members to the organization’s diverse board of directors, representing a cross-section of leadership from the Miami-Dade business community:

* Mickael Damelincourt, Managing Director of Trump National Doral Miami

* Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line

* Robin Jacobs, Chair of the Miami Beach Convention Center Advisory Council

* Florencia Tabeni, Chief Operating Officer of MDM Hotel Group

Whitaker added, “In addition, our expanded organizational priorities include focusing on continued engagement with all of our neighborhoods, expanding our marketing and content strategy targeting the luxury and high-end traveler segment, professional development in the hospitality industry, leveraging music as a key destination marketing platform, and expanding our arts and cultural programming.”

For more information and to view the official GMCVB 2024/2025 Annual Report and 2025/2026 Business Plan, visit here.

Source: Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau