Miami at the center of world tourism
Miami is celebrating a record-breaking year for tourism and the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) reports an economic impact that has reached $22 billion and a future-oriented growth strategy for Greater Miami and Miami Beach. Between new infrastructures, sporting events of international importance, luxury hotels, important cultural successes and sustainability projects, Miami consolidates its role as a destination of excellence worldwide.
Not surprisingly, in 2024, Greater Miami and Miami Beach welcomed over 28 million visitors, the highest volume ever recorded. In addition, Miami ranked as the third most searched city on Google and Hard Rock Stadium was the fifth most searched stadium in the world, confirming its global appeal.
Miami sports capital of the world
According to Burson's 2025 ranking, Miami ranks 8th among major global sports cities, a significant jump from 16th in 2023. A result that testifies to the growing role of the metropolis as an international sports hub active twelve months a year, thanks to prestigious events such as the Orange Bowl, Miami Open, Miami Marathon and Formula 1 Grand Prix, which are flanked by new important annual events, including Formula E, PGA Tour Signature Event and numerous other world-class events.
Recovery of the Italian market
Before the pandemic, Italy was among the top 15 international markets for the destination Miami. Since 2024, the market has recovered about 39% of pre-pandemic levels, a figure conditioned by the limited availability of direct flights. With the introduction of new non-stop American Airlines routes, including the direct Rome–Miami flight inaugurated in June 2025 and the new Milan–Miami route scheduled for March 2026, the prospects for relaunch and growth are positive.
International connectivity
In 2024, Miami International Airport (MIA) reached a record 55 million passengers, consolidating its role as a global hub with over 400 daily direct flights, services to more than 150 international destinations and over 100 airlines, the highest number among U.S. airports,
For Italy, 2024 marked a growth of 13% year-on-year, with 52,000 Italian visitors, equal to 39% of the pre-pandemic levels of 2019.
Miami travel trends
- Solo Travel: The number of visitors who choose to explore Miami on their own is growing.
- Spontaneous travel: increase in last-minute bookings and flexible stays, to enjoy authentic and unplanned experiences in Miami.
- Sports tourism: Miami is among the top three cities in the world that travelers intend to visit in 2025 to attend major sporting events.
Miami-Dade: hospitality & cruise leadership
Miami-Dade leads Florida in hotel occupancy rate, ranking among the top five hotel markets in the United States. PortMiami, the "Cruise Capital of the World®", recorded a record 8.2 million passengers in FY 2024, confirming itself among the busiest ports globally.
Meetings & Conventions: business meets leisure
Greater Miami and Miami Beach have welcomed 1.3 million business travelers in the last year, confirming themselves as an ideal destination for events, fairs and congresses thanks to: a dynamic and globally connected business hub; over 1.1 million acres of natural wonders and more than 20 distinctive neighborhoods, to explore post-conference; direct access via Miami International Airport (MIA) and the arrival of the new Grand Hyatt Miami Beach Convention Center Hotel.
New Hotels in Miami
The reception is enriched by a series of new hotels in Miami including: The Shelborne by Proper (May 2025), Andaz - Miami Beach (May 2025), Donatella - Boutique Hotel & Restaurant (May 2025), The Sunny (November 2025), Thompson Miami Beach (December (2025), Delano South Beach (end of 2025), Virgin Hotels (2026), Aman Resort (2026), Grand Hyatt - Miami Beach Convention Center (late 2027), Rosewood (2028), Baccarat Residences (2028), Waldorf Astoria (2028) and Bvlgari Hotel Miami Beach (2028).
Grand Hyatt Miami Beach: new landmark for MICE
Scheduled to open by the end of 2027, the Grand Hyatt Miami Beach will be the first hotel integrated with the Miami Beach Convention Center, a real turning point for the conference offer with 800 rooms (including 52 suites, and 4 floors dedicated to meetings and events), air-conditioned Skybridge that connects the hotel directly to the Convention Center, panoramic swimming pool, restaurant and integrated retail spaces.
Calendar of Global Events in Miami
Miami confirms itself as a reference destination for global sports. In 2025, Miami introduced five new annual sporting events: PGA Tour Signature Event, E1 Power Boat Series, Formula E, Unrivaled Women's Basketball and Hyrox Fitness Festival in addition to established events such as the Miami Open, Miami Slam and Miami Marathon.
On the cultural front, the city celebrates the 100th anniversary of Art Deco with the open-air exhibition "100 Years of Art Deco: A World Celebration in Miami Beach". The Miami City Ballet celebrates its 40th anniversary with an eventful season, while Gillie and Marc's art installations will remain on display along Lincoln Road until July 2026.
Lincoln Road: a new era
Lincoln Road, Miami's iconic pedestrian promenade, is enriched with new expanded pedestrian areas and outdoor spaces for rest and relaxation; improved lighting with new green and landscape areas; greater connectivity with nearby cultural landmarks, such as The Fillmore and the New World Center. Conceived by Carl Fisher and later redesigned by Morris Lapidus, Lincoln Road combines historic charm with a modern vision, remaining open even during construction.
Inclusion, accessibility and sustainability
Miami is confirmed as an inclusive destination for every traveler. The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) has been certified as a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC), which provides a welcoming environment for visitors with sensory sensitivities and autism spectrum disorders. The body also aims to obtain certification as a Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD).
In addition, Miami demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainable practices as well. On November 19, 2024, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) became the first destination marketing organization in the U.S. to offer incentives for Green Key Global Eco-Rating certification to Miami hotels that provides members with a 50% discount on registration and audit fees for certification. By May 2025, the initiative has seen more than 71 hotels join, confirming its success.
