The event, set against the backdrop of the Norwegian
Cruise Line (NCL) terminal at PortMiami ─ the “Cruise Capital of the World” ─
celebrated the industry’s achievements and profiled the marketing programmes in
2023 that propelled strong momentum into early 2024.
This year’s presentation
coincided with National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), emphasising the
industry's vital role in economic growth, job creation and enhancing quality of
life.
According to Miami-Dade County’s
official destination marketing organisation, the statistics below reflect key
achievements and successes from the 2023 season.
1. Greater Miami and Miami Beach
welcomed over 27.2 million visitors in 2023, showcasing a sustained
growth trajectory.
2. Visitors
generated an estimated $21.1 billion in spending, marking a 2%
increase from the previous year.
3. The region saw
17.3 million hotel room nights sold, holding onto impressive gains
achieved in 2022 and edging slightly higher with an increase of 0.3%.
4. For UK
visitors specifically, there was a steady growth of 6% in
visitation from 2022.
5. The UK had 222,000
international overnight visitors in 2023 compared to 209,000 in 2022.
6. UK ranked
fourth in the top international overnight visitors to Miami, just
sitting behind Colombia, Brazil and Canada.
David
Whitaker, president and CEO of the GMCVB said: "The
sustained growth we witnessed in 2023 and the promising start to 2024 are due
to our ability to effectively market the enduring appeal of Greater
Miami and Miami Beach as a must-visit destination. We know that visitors can
easily make the decision to spend their discretionary dollars elsewhere.
Tourism magnifies the vibrancy of cultures inherent in our diverse
neighbourhoods and at the same time, supports essential programmes that enhance
the lives of residents throughout the county. We know that when tourism
flourishes, our communities thrive."
Posted by: Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
Posted on: 23/05/2024