Destinations

Miami Bliss

It was all things Miami last night as a delegation of tourism officials – including “Miami Bill,” William Talbert, president of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau – hosted an event at JUMP in Toronto to update the trade on all things happening in the Florida city.

Talbert thanked Canadian partners for keeping Canada as the city’s top international feeder market and advised agents that if they haven’t been to Miami lately, they don’t know Miami.

“If you haven’t been to Miami lately, you haven’t been to Miami,” he said. “It’s changed so much, it’s incredible what’s happening. It’s hard to keep up.”

On the news front, Miami is getting set for the opening of the newly renovated and expanded Miami Beach Convention Centre in September — a US$620 million project which features a new 60,000-sq.-ft. ballroom, lots of new meeting space and six acres of green space.

Miami continues to earn the moniker of “cruise capital of the world,” welcoming 5.3 million passengers in 2107, and host city of 21 cruise brands and 54 ships. This year, Miami will welcome the world’s newest and largest ship, Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas, debuting in November.

Trending on the culinary front are food halls, with Miami home to at least six of them and more and more opening all the time. Miami Beach will soon see the opening of the Time Out Market, bringing the best of the city’s restaurants, bars and cultural experiences under one roof.

Miami Temptations also continues, special themed months taking place all year round. Miami Cruise Month just ended, and Romance Month is now underway, offering visitors special perks and added value during their stays.

Pictured with Talbert are Jennifer Diaz (l) and Jennifer Haz, also with the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.

(http://www.MiamiandBeaches.com)