In this context, Travel2latam spoke with Alex Batista, Vice President of Sales at the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.
What are your goals and expectations for participating in IBTM?
Our main objective in Miami is to continue attracting the international market, which is very strong, clearly due to the location of the city, the airport, and all the attractions it offers. The international market is very important for us and being here in Europe opens many doors for us and puts us in contact with clients that we normally don't see.
We are closing the year. How has the year been for Miami in your view of the unit you manage?
Look, in 2024 we have done very well in the MICE sector, which has been very strong for the city, and for next year 2025 we expect the same demand,
Because?
Because I believe that companies have to meet especially when there is a new presidency, a new government in the United States. Many of the companies that are here in Europe and throughout the world have to meet with their clients in the United States and vice versa.
So 2025 as well as 2024 is going to be a fantastic year for the MICE industry in the US and in Miami clearly. SPK_
They are promoting themselves in Europe, a market that is very well connected to Miami…
The European market is very strong for the city, especially Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and France, which usually meet in Miami because it is a city with very easy access to meet with clients in the United States and Latin America and the Caribbean. Our location is perfect and easy for meeting all clients.