Miami: GMCVB state of industry: Bright Future, Rain or Shine!
- LMGE
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 4 hours ago
By Tony Lesesne
Wow, what a week! Just got back from the GMCVB State of the Travel & Tourism Industry Presentation, held at the stunning Parrot Jungle TreeTop Ballroom. As someone whose own LMG Entertainment has had the honor of hosting the annual Women's Power Summit in that very same space, it was truly elevating to see so many spirited leaders and allies in the room. You could feel the collective hum of excitement for Miami's trajectory, even as the usual whispers of concern tried to dampen the mood. But honestly, if you're rooting for Miami, there's just so much to be thrilled about!
Click the frame below to watch Tony's short video mix to the GMCVB State of the Industry
As someone who’s tirelessly advocated for our city to truly elevate its global reach and influence, seeing the results of our efforts makes me incredibly proud. From the adrenaline-pumping F1 Miami Grand Prix to the elite serves and volleys of the Miami Open, these events aren't just incredible tourist attractions – they’re badges of honor for our city, showcasing our capability to host world-class spectacles. And the best part? They're not just for the jet-setters; they’re building something special for everyone in our region.
Breaking Records and Welcoming
the World (and Everyone Else!)
David Whitaker, the President & CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, hit the nail on the head when he said, “Greater Miami and Miami Beach has long been committed to ensuring a sense of welcome and accessibility for all travelers.” Our partnership with Wheel the World is a brilliant testament to that. It’s about building a Miami that genuinely embraces everyone, ensuring that visitors with disabilities can fully experience every vibrant corner of our destination. That's the kind of leadership that truly sets us apart.
Get Ready to Rumble (and Goal!) in Miami for FIFA World Cup 2026!
If you thought our four-year joyride as Formula 1 brand influencers at LMG Entertainment was pedal-to-the-metal excitement, buckle up, beautiful peole! We're about to trade pit stops for penalty kicks and prove that our influence isn't just track-tested, it's globally-approved. Because, let's be real, the only thing more exhilarating than a finely-tuned, over the top powerful race car is a perfectly executed bicycle kick fromsome of the geatest athletes onthe planet. Are you ready? Let's do this!!
Now, Miami, bless its sparkly heart, is set to shine brighter than a Rihanna diamond (and trust us, she'd sing about it) as one of the marquee global events on the 2026 calendar. And who's leading this dazzling spectacle? None other than the magnificent Salina Hudak, pictured with me, who's now the President/CEO of the 2026 FIFA Host Committee. She's going to need us all to make this a smashing success – and by "us," I mean everyone from the die-hard football fanatics to those who just show up for the half-time snacks. So, dust off your vuvuzelas, practice your "goooooals," and prepare for a party so epic, it'll make even the most stoic statisticians high-five a stranger. The probability of an unforgettable time is, well, 100%.
And the numbers? Oh, the numbers are singing a sweet song! Last year, 2024, was another record-breaking year for tourism in Miami-Dade County. We welcomed over 28 million people! Think about that for a second: one in five tourists to Florida chose to spend some of their precious vacation time right here in Miami-Dade. That’s not just a statistic; that’s a testament to our magnetic charm.
The GMCVB’s annual data revealed that domestic tourists increased by a solid 2%, and international visitors soared by 4% compared to the previous year. And guess who’s topping the charts for foreign visitors? Our friends from Colombia, with an impressive 8% growth in visitations. It's truly amazing to see how global Miami has become.
Navigating the Bumps in the Road
Now, I wouldn't be a true Miamian if I didn't acknowledge the little sprinkles of worry that are trying to rain on our parade.
There are concerns, as usual. The slowing global economy and the growing uncertainty from changes in trade and immigration enforcement by the Trump administration are definitely on our radar.
We even saw a 4% dip in visitors from Canada last year, and the tourism bureau is expecting a slight drop in foreign visitors this year, with international passenger arrivals through Miami International Airport already showing a decline.
But here’s where the true Miami spirit shines through. As Julissa Kepner, GMCVB Board Chair and general manager of the Marriott Biscayne Bay, put it, “Although we need to be ready to navigate the challenging times of these next few months, I also am very optimistic that in the fourth quarter we’re going to get much better. The fall is looking better than the summer.” That’s the resilient, forward-thinking mindset that defines us!
Despite the uncertainties, our hotels are still mostly packed. The average daily hotel room rate across the county in the first quarter hit a healthy $258, easily outshining Broward County’s $200. And with about 82% of rooms occupied over the first four months of this year, Miami-Dade County is leading all destinations! Yes, hotel demand has dipped in four of the past five weeks, and as David Whitaker noted, "The economy is so uncertain. We are hearing from our hotel community that a lot of the business events are postponing their meetings.” There's definitely a lot of "wait and see" happening.
Building for Tomorrow, Today!
But here's why my excitement remains undimmed: Miami is always building for the future. After two years of delays (we all know construction costs can be a beast!), ground was finally broken in mid-May on the $390 million hotel at the Miami Beach Convention Center. This project, greenlit by voters in 2023, will add a much-needed 800 rooms to our local market when it opens in 2027. And it's not alone; Fort Lauderdale’s Broward Convention Center hotel, also 800 rooms, is slated to open this September, expanding the regional capacity.
This consistent investment in infrastructure, along with our commitment to major events like F1 Miami and the Miami Open, is precisely what I’ve been advocating for. These aren't just temporary influxes of cash; they are building blocks for a stronger, more diversified economy that benefits everyone.
Beyond the Headlines: Miami for Miamians!
Miami has a Port that is a juggernaut and the team on hand (pictured at left) was proud to share with attendees on what it takes each day to be one of he worlds most impactful.
While the large-scale events bring international acclaim and substantial economic impact (F1 Miami alone has generated over $1 billion in economic impact in its first three years!), my passion extends beyond the tourist dollar.
This is where we truly elevate our reach and influence: by ensuring these grand events, and the entire thriving tourism ecosystem, create a better quality of life for our locals and those in the surrounding region.
Think about it:
Job Creation: These industries support an incredible 145,000 jobs in Miami-Dade County. That's real people, real families, earning a living right here.
Local Businesses Thrive: The influx of visitors means more business for our incredible array of restaurants, shops, and cultural institutions. The Miami Grand Prix, for instance, has generated over $1 million in pure profit for participating minority- and women-owned businesses in just one year. The Miami Open, attracting over 300,000 spectators, brings in an estimated $386 million in economic impact annually, comparable to a Super Bowl!
Cultural Enrichment: The revenue generated by tourism helps fund our vibrant arts and cultural scene, from museums to performance venues, making Miami a richer place to live.
Tax Benefits: Tourism generates over $1.5 billion in tax revenue annually, which translates to a savings of over $2,200 for every Miami-Dade household in local and state taxes! This is truly the "Brought to You by Tourism" effect in action.
And it’s not just about the big events. The GMCVB is actively promoting local engagement and regional tourism through initiatives like the "Temptations Months/Deals" (like the refreshed Miami Spice program) which invite locals and visitors alike to experience our diverse cultural attractions, museums, and adventure activities with exclusive discounts.
They're also working with Miami Dade College to highlight career opportunities in hospitality, investing in scholarships and workforce development for our local talent. This is about building a sustainable ecosystem for everyone.
One Last Hurdle… But We're Ready!
Of course, no celebration is complete without a challenge to overcome. The industry is actively hoping to avoid a legislative effort that could re-direct millions of dollars collected from visitors. Hotel bed taxes are crucial for our visitors bureaus to fund the marketing and advertising that keeps Miami top-of-mind for travelers. A bill passed by the House this spring would send those taxes to counties for general use. The Legislature has yet to agree on a tax and spending plan for the next fiscal year, which starts July 1st. This is a critical moment, and we need to ensure our leaders understand the vital role these dedicated funds play in our continued success.
Despite these hurdles, my optimism for Miami's future remains sky-high. We've weathered storms before, both literal and metaphorical. We're a city of innovators, dreamers, and relentless optimists. We’re building bigger, thinking bolder, and always ready to welcome the world. The energy at the Parrot Jungle TreeTop Ballroom today was a powerful reminder: Miami's future isn't just bright, it's dazzling, and we're just getting started!