Miami-Dade County generated $23 billion in visitor spending in 2025, marking a 4% increase from 2024 and a 27% rise compared to 2019 pre-pandemic levels, according to the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB). The county welcomed 28 million visitors last year, with tourism supporting about 216,000 jobs or 10% of all employment in the area.
Tourism contributed $5.3 billion in annual tax revenue to county, state and federal governments. This tax income translates into an average annual sales tax savings of $2,300 per household and $809 per individual resident.
Leisure travel accounted for 71% of visitors to Miami-Dade
County. Domestic travelers made up 78% of arrivals, including 32% from Florida residents. International visitors composed 22% of total arrivals.
International tourism grew by 3% in the first half of 2026, with 3.2 million international visitors arriving during that period. The top international markets were Colombia, Canada, Brazil, the United Kingdom and Mexico. Domestically, New York, Washington, D.C., Boston, Chicago and Atlanta were the leading markets for overnight visitors.
>Hotel Industry Performance and Meetings Sector
David Whitaker, GMCVB President and CEO, reported that Miami’s hotel industry ranks among the top six U.S. markets for occupancy and top four for average daily room rate, which increased 9%
year over year. The strong hotel performance is a driving force behind the tourism sector’s economic impact.
During fiscal year 2025-2026, Miami-Dade County secured 785 meetings and conventions. These events generated 520,000 hotel room nights and attracted approximately 586,379 attendees. Bookings for future conventions extend through 2034.
>Upcoming Events and Infrastructure Development
The Greater Miami area is preparing for major events in 2027, including the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl in January, the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, Miami Open, the 25th Life Time Miami Marathon, NASCAR Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway, and the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup Miami 2027.
Additional major gatherings scheduled before January 2027 include Adobe MAX in November 2026 and the G20 summit in December 2026.
The Grand Hyatt Miami Beach Convention Center Hotel is scheduled to open in late 2027, expanding the destination’s capacity to host large conventions and business travelers.
>Official Statements and Tourism Strategy
David Whitaker stated, “As we look ahead to 2027, I’m energized by the possibilities that convention travel, arts and culture and entertainment experiences offer visitors.” Julissa Kepner, GMCVB Board Chair, emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships and innovative marketing to maintain and grow the destination’s appeal globally.
Local government leaders including Miami Mayor Eileen
Higgins, Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, and Florida State Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez highlighted tourism’s critical economic role.
Arts and cultural tourism promotion remains a focus, featuring events such as Art Basel Miami Beach, Noche de Arte and No Vacancy Miami Beach.
Jonathan Daniels, Director and CEO of PortMiami, joined the GMCVB board bringing over 30 years of experience in maritime transportation, logistics, and economic development.
