Miami Tourism Grows 4.5% and Projects a Record-Breaking 2026 with Major Global Events
The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) reported $21.3 billion in visitor spending and anticipates strong momentum driven by the FIFA World Cup and new developments in Miami Beach.
Tourism in Greater Miami and Miami Beach continues to solidify its role as one of the most dynamic drivers of the U.S. travel sector. This was underscored during the annual meeting of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), recently held at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, where more than 600 tourism industry representatives, business leaders, and local officials gathered.
The latest figures — covering July 2024 through June 2025 — confirm the destination’s strength and adaptability amid global economic challenges. During that period, visitors generated a total of $21.3 billion in spending, reflecting a 3% year-over-year increase driven by innovative marketing strategies, strategic partnerships, and community-impact initiatives.
A Destination That Maintains Its Momentum
According to the GMCVB report, Miami-Dade County welcomed 28.2 million visitors, representing a 4.5% increase compared to the previous year.
- Florida residents accounted for 31% of total visitors, highlighting the strength of the domestic market.
- Domestic travel remained stable at 46%, demonstrating continued preference from key U.S. markets.
- The hotel sector reported a 2.4% increase in average daily rate (ADR), keeping local hotels among the most competitive in the country.
“These results demonstrate the resilience of our industry and our ability to deliver high-quality experiences that distinguish Miami on the global stage,” said David Whitaker, President and CEO of the GMCVB. “Looking ahead to 2026, we see a promising outlook with signature programs such as Miami Spice, which showcases our 59 Michelin Guide-recognized restaurants, and the expansion of meetings tourism with the upcoming opening of the Grand Hyatt Miami Beach Convention Center Hotel.”
Whitaker also highlighted the impact of major international events set to take place in the destination, including the College Football National Championship, the World Baseball Classic, the PGA Tour, the NASCAR Cup Series, and, notably, the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will further position Miami as a key hub for global sports tourism.
Leadership and Shared Vision
GMCVB Board Chair Julissa Kepner, who also leads the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay, emphasized the sector’s collective commitment:
“2025 has been a year of learning and growth. As we look toward 2026, our goal is to keep Greater Miami and Miami Beach at the forefront of international travel, with strategies that reflect the strength, diversity, and innovative spirit of our community.”
During the session, Nominating Committee Chair Christine Valls introduced the new members of the Board of Directors, who will contribute their expertise to strengthen the organization’s leadership:
- Mickael Damelincourt, General Manager of Trump National Doral Miami
- Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line
- Robin Jacobs, President of the Miami Beach Convention Center Advisory Board
- Florencia Tabeni, Chief Operating Officer of MDM Hotel Group
Strategy Toward a More Inclusive and Sustainable Tourism Model
For 2026, the GMCVB will reinforce its focus on professional development within the hospitality sector, the promotion of the luxury and high-end segment, and the integration of art, music, and local culture as pillars of the visitor experience. The organization will also expand its engagement with neighborhoods across the county, strengthening community participation in the economic growth generated by tourism.
“We are expanding our vision to ensure tourism continues to be a positive force—one that generates prosperity and enhances quality of life for our residents,” Whitaker concluded.
Source: El Espectador (12/31/25).
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