Miami breaks tourism records in 2022 by welcoming more than 26.5 million visitors

24-05-23

• Revenue estimated at US$20.8 billion

Miami, one of the most visited cities in the United States, celebrated record visitor numbers in 2022, continuing to drive tourism growth and local economic prosperity. Miami-Dade County's official destination marketing agency, The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), announced statistics that confirmed a successful season last year.

The county's official travel and tourism site welcomed more than 26.5 million visitors in 2022, a record number that demonstrates the enduring appeal of this coastal region of Florida. These record numbers also had a significant impact on the local economy, as it is estimated that visitors spent more than 20.8 billion dollars during their stay in the area. This 8% increase over 2021 reflects the steady growth of the tourism industry in Miami.

David Whitaker, president and CEO of the GMCVB, said these 2022 results can be attributed to the outstanding range of attractions, amenities, restaurants, accommodations and the tireless work of industry partners.

In addition, 17.1 million hotel room nights were sold in 2022, representing an increase of 12.7 per cent compared to the previous year. This demonstrates the growth in demand for accommodation in the region and the expansion of the hotel industry to meet the needs of visitors.

Miami International Airport (MIA) played a crucial role in the flow of tourists to the city. In 2022, MIA served more than 50.6 million travellers, demonstrating the continued interest in visiting Miami. The arrival of new airlines, such as Southwest Airlines, JetBlue and Spirit Airlines, has expanded travel options and facilitated access to Miami for tourists.

The international market also played an important role in Miami's success as a tourist destination in 2022. Despite travel restrictions and lengthy visa wait times, Greater Miami and Miami Beach experienced a resurgence in their traditional international markets. The number of international overnight visitors increased by 2.7% compared to the previous year.

Latin America stood out as a key outbound market, with Colombia remaining the top international overnight market for the second consecutive year, with 432,000 visitors. These figures underline the importance of Miami's connections and attraction for international tourists.

The cruise industry also experienced a resurgence in 2022, reaching similar levels to 2019. The return of cruise ships attracted a higher volume of passengers and contributed to Miami's vibrant tourism economy.

In terms of accommodation, lodging showed an exceptional performance in 2022. In addition to selling more rooms than in the previous year, hotels exceeded 2021 figures by 13%. This demonstrates visitors' confidence in the quality and hospitality on offer in the region.

Increased room sales and record hotel rates also had a positive impact on the industry's gross revenue, which increased by 29%. This trend reflects the willingness of visitors to invest in luxury experiences and the exceptional hospitality found in Miami.

Miami and Miami Beach are much more than conventional tourist destinations. They are the very epitome of elegance and style, a place where dreams come true and experiences become indelible memories. From the moment you set foot in these paradisiacal lands, you are enveloped by a sense of awe at the beauty and vibrancy that surrounds you.

In Greater Miami, the city comes to life with its colourful murals and unrivalled.

Miami Beach, on the other hand, is a world-renowned beach destination that combines the nostalgic charm of its 1950s architecture with an unbridled and sophisticated nightlife. White sandy beaches and crystal clear waters provide the perfect backdrop for sun and sea lovers, while luxury hotels, world-class restaurants and exclusive nightclubs offer an unrivalled experience for those seeking sophistication and glamour.

The unprecedented buzz in the Greater Miami and Miami Beach dining scene has been intensified by the emergence of prominent publications such as the Michelin Guide to Florida in 2022 and the recent recognition of Miami as Gastronomic City of the Year by the prestigious Bon Appétit magazine, catapulting the region to new levels of culinary excellence.

Wondering what makes tourism in Miami and Miami Beach so appealing? The answer lies in the perfect combination of factors: enviably warm weather, lush nature, unique architecture, diverse cultural offerings and exceptional hospitality. These cities offer a range of experiences from absolute relaxation on the beaches to the excitement of nightlife.

The South Florida Metropolitan Area, also known as the Miami Metropolitan Area, is a dynamic and vibrant region in the southeastern United States. Recognised as one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the country, it encompasses three counties in South Florida: Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach. This region, also known as the Gold Coast, is home to major cities such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach. It is a destination that combines the energy of the big cities with the beauty of its beaches and is considered one of Florida's tourism hotspots.

What do tourists and locals think about Miami?

International tourists, such as Carlos H. from Colombia, highlight the beauty of Miami Beach's beaches and the warmth of its people. Carlos mentions: "Miami is a magical place. The beaches are spectacular and the people are very friendly. I enjoyed every moment here and I definitely want to come back. Juliana Fernandez, a tourist from Mexico, says Miami stole her heart. She was impressed by the beautiful beaches, the amazing restaurants and the spectacular cultural offerings.

On the other hand, locals like Rodrigo Balseiro and Carolina Alvarez, highlight the advantages of living in Miami. Rodrigo highlights the quality of life offered by the city, while Carolina values the cultural diversity and the coexistence with people of different origins. Both agree that Miami is a special place where you can find unique and exciting experiences.

Despite the positive opinions of tourists and locals about Miami, there are also critical perspectives. Jessica Schnaider, a resident of the city, expresses her concerns about the negative impact of tourism on the quality of life. She cites traffic congestion and overdeveloped beaches as aspects that affect the locals' experience.

Future plans or developments for the tourism industry in Miami

The six main strategic objectives of the official sales and marketing organisation for Greater Miami and its beaches for the next five years are:

1. Strategic sales and marketing: The GMCVB will focus on developing an effective sales and marketing strategy to attract more visitors to Greater Miami and its beaches.

2. Proactive Destination Management: The organisation will work collaboratively with local leaders to improve the tourism infrastructure and quality of life in the area.

3. Improving hotel culture: The organisation will seek to improve the quality of service in Greater Miami hotels through training and certification programmes.

4. Improved Mobility: Innovative solutions will be implemented to improve public transport, reduce traffic and increase accessibility to the destination.

5. Stronger community alignment: The GMCVB will work closely with local communities to ensure that tourism initiatives are sustainable and beneficial to all.

6. Long-term sustainability of the organisation: The GMCVB will seek to ensure that the GMCVB has a sound and sustainable financial structure, so that it can continue to promote the destination in the long term.