Overnight Visitors Hit Record Level

The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) reports a 6.4% increase in overnight visitors to Miami and the Beaches in 2015.

During that time, the destination welcomed 1 million more visitors for a total of 15.5 million overnight visitors with a record 8 million visitors from domestic markets and 7.5 million international visitors.

Through its global marketing programs, New York became the destination’s first $2 billion market reaching a record economic impact of $2.3 billion, rivaled by the destination’s billion dollar markets of Brazil and Colombia.

The total economic impact of overnight visitors to Greater Miami and The Beaches reached a record $24.4 billion last year. These strong numbers contributed to the robust job market, with a record 136,100 leisure and hospitality industry jobs in 2015.

GMCVB president & CEO, William D. Talbert, III, CDME, noted that: “More than a year ago, the GMCVB launched the ‘It’s So Miami’ neighborhood-centric marketing campaign aimed at extending the visitors’ stay as part of an economic impact strategy. Today, we announce New York as the first-ever $2 billion dollar market alongside strong billion dollar international markets of Brazil and Colombia.”

Talbert continued: “More visitors are staying longer and fueling record-breaking economic impact numbers thanks to GMCVB efforts. In addition, we grew the European market by 5.9% and grew the Latin American market by 3% despite the strength of the dollar against the euro and Latin American currencies.”

He pointed out that: “Of the 1 million new visitors into Miami, nearly half of them were first-time visitors. This can be attributed to the GMCVB’s aggressive international marketing programs and our collaboration with Miami International Airport to attract more global carriers and expand air-service into Miami and The Beaches.”