US Miami-Dade County Sets New Industry Benchmarks By Leading Florida In Hotel Occupancy And Driving Significant Economic Growth In The Tourism Sector


Greater Miami Breaks Tourism Records in 2024, Showcasing a Flourishing Visitor Economy and Future Growth
In 2024, Greater Miami and Miami Beach achieved a historic milestone in tourism by welcoming over 28 million visitors, setting a new all-time annual record for Miami-Dade County.The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) highlighted this unprecedented success and outlined how tourism continues to be a critical pillar of the local economy at their annual State of the Travel & Tourism Industry event, held at Jungle Island with over 600 industry leaders, officials, and community stakeholders in attendance.
Tourism Drives Economic Prosperity and Job Growth
In 2024, tourists visiting Greater Miami injected an impressive $22 billion into the local economy, generating $2.2 billion in total tax revenue for state and local governments. This robust visitor spending supported more than 209,000 tourism-related jobs, marking an all-time high in employment supported by the sector. These figures demonstrate tourism’s vital role not just as an economic engine but also as a provider of diverse career opportunities across the county.
Last year, Miami-Dade led all counties in Florida for hotel occupancy. Within the top 25 hotel markets across the United States, it secured the fourth position in occupancy rates and ranked third for average daily room rates, highlighting robust demand from travelers both within the country and abroad. Compared to 2023, domestic visitor numbers rose by 2 percent while international arrivals increased by 4 percent. Correspondingly, visitor spending grew by 3 percent for domestic and 5 percent for international guests, reflecting healthy growth across all key metrics.
Expanding Beyond Leisure Travel: Meetings, Conventions, and Major Events
Beyond leisure tourism, Miami’s meetings and conventions sector remains a cornerstone of the industry. A major highlight is the groundbreaking of the Grand Hyatt Miami Beach convention center hotel, an 800-room property scheduled to open in 2027. This new development will enhance Miami’s ability to attract large-scale global conventions, trade shows, and business meetings. A live webcam tracking construction progress generates excitement among event planners and stakeholders, signaling Miami’s readiness to welcome premier events.
Julissa Kepner, GMCVB board chair, noted, “Our visitors have traveled here in greater numbers and their additional spending benefits us all. This should drive home the importance that tourism isn’t just a local priority — it’s the engine propelling Miami-Dade County onto the world stage as a model for economic prosperity and exceptional resident quality of life. Miami-Dade’s tourism industry is driven by momentum, innovation and a global outlook. Our continued success depends on bold marketing, diverse and elevated offerings, a deep commitment to sustainability and the celebration of our diverse cultural assets.”
“Tourism and hospitality are the lifeblood of Miami-Dade County. Our industry works tirelessly to ensure that Greater Miami and Miami Beach remains a top global travel destination while celebrating our unique neighborhoods and creating programs that welcome all visitors,” shared GMCVB President and CEO David Whitaker. “Our residents and businesses benefited from more than $31 billion in economic impact – 9% of Miami-Dade’s GDP – in the last year. This growth marks a 5% increase from 2023 and is a testament to the strength and success of the industry’s efforts to attract travelers.”
Hotel room demand continued its upward trajectory into early 2025, with Greater Miami and Miami Beach leading in occupancy, revenue per available room (RevPAR), and ranking second nationally in average daily room rates. This momentum signals sustained confidence in the destination’s appeal and business environment.
Innovative Strategies Fuel Continued Industry Success
The GMCVB credits its success to innovative marketing, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to sustainability and accessibility. Highlights from fiscal year 2024 include:
- International Growth: Miami saw impressive year-over-year visitor increases from Colombia (8%), Brazil (12%), and the United Kingdom (10%), reaffirming its status as a top global gateway.
- Convention Bookings: The convention sales team exceeded goals by securing 16 new bookings at the Miami Beach Convention Center, drawing 65,000 attendees and generating over \$131 million in economic impact. Nine of these bookings alone accounted for 62,000 attendees and nearly 47,000 room nights, with a \$95 million estimated benefit.
- Digital Marketing & Content Creation: The launch of the Creator Collective, a diverse group of local storytellers producing original content, propelled @VisitMiami to become the fastest-growing destination marketing organization on Instagram. Enhanced digital mapping of neighborhoods through MiamiandMiamiBeach.com boosted visibility for tourism partners, further promoting Miami’s rich variety of experiences.
- Culinary Tourism: The Miami Spice program received a refreshed brand aligning with Greater Miami and Miami Beach’s recognition as a Michelin-star culinary destination. Influencer partnerships and dynamic content strategies aim to elevate engagement and participation in this popular dining campaign.
Commitment to Sustainability and Accessibility
Miami-Dade is making strides in sustainable tourism by partnering with Green Key Global to certify local hotels under internationally recognized environmental standards. With 71 hotels in the certification pipeline, the destination addresses the rising demand for eco-conscious travel options.
Accessibility initiatives also advanced significantly. Collaboration with Wheel the World, an accessible travel provider, aims to achieve “Destination Verified” status, easing travel planning for guests with disabilities. The GMCVB’s campaign “It’s Where You Belong” will soon spotlight accessible attractions and services, building on the “Find Your Miami” initiative. Furthermore, partnerships with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) have helped establish Certified Autism Centers throughout the county, including the Miami Beach Convention Center, supporting neurodivergent travelers and their families.
Supporting Multicultural Tourism and Community Development
The Multicultural Tourism & Development Department empowered 147 small businesses through the Tourism Business Enhancement program, reinforcing Miami-Dade’s vibrant multicultural heritage within the tourism economy. The “Art of Black Miami” initiative showcased over 66 events during Art Week alone—a 266% increase since its inception—highlighting cultural contributions and expanding from 10 to 14 neighborhoods, a 40% growth in geographic reach.
Earlier in 2025, the GMCVB’s scholarship arm, the BHI, raised a record \$250,000 to fund hospitality and tourism education, nurturing the next generation of local talent in Miami’s leading economic sector.
Major Events Cement Miami’s Global Appeal
Miami’s diverse calendar of events plays a significant role in attracting visitors and maintaining year-round excitement. Notable events contributing to 2024’s success included Calle Ocho Music Festival, Latin GRAMMYs, Winter Party Festival, Miami Carnival, Orange Blossom Classic, Jazz in the Gardens, Art Basel Miami Beach, the Formula One Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix, and the Capital One Orange Bowl.
Looking ahead, Miami is set to host several marquee sporting events in 2026, including the College Football Playoff National Championship, NHL Winter Classic, World Baseball Classic, FIFA World Cup, and NASCAR Championship Race. These will further boost the city’s global profile and attract even greater visitor volumes.
Conclusion
Greater Miami and Miami Beach’s record-breaking visitor numbers and economic impact underscore the destination’s resilience, innovation, and appeal. With ongoing investments in infrastructure, sustainability, and community engagement, the region is well positioned to sustain its leadership as a premier global tourism hub well into the future. The GMCVB’s strategic initiatives and partnerships ensure Miami remains a vibrant, welcoming, and dynamic place for travelers and residents alike.
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