Overnight visitors to the Greater Miami and the Beaches (GMCVB) grew to almost 7% last year over the previous one, creating a record-breaking 13.4 million visitors.
"Latin America continued to be the leading source of international visitors, accounting for more than 4.4 million overnight visitors in 2011, a 9.2% increase over 2010," according to the GMCVB.
Brazil surpassed Canada in number of overnight visitors with more than 634,000 to become Greater Miami’s #1 international market in 2011, the bureau said.
"The strength of the Miami brand continued to attract a record number of overnight visitors in 2011, helping the industry recover from the global recession," said Steven Haas, Chairman of the GMCVB Board of Directors.
"The Bureau’s aggressive marketing and expansion of the popular summer and shoulder season promotions, including Miami Museum Month, Miami Spice Restaurant Month, Miami Spa Month, Miami Attractions Month and Miami Live Music Month were enjoyed by more visitors and residents than ever in 2011," said William D. Talbert, III, GMCVB president.
"Solid and record-breaking attendance" at major citywide conventions held in Greater Miami was reported in 2011 for organizations such as the American Statistical Association, the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, American Society for Radiation Oncology, American Academy of Periodontology, Aviation Week Conference and Exhibition, Goldwell Corporation, and Art Basel Miami Beach.
Among the top 25 hotel markets in the U.S., Greater Miami and the Beaches’ revenue per available room (RevPar) increased 14.1% in 2011 to a record $115.65. Hotel room occupancy increased 7.4% to a record annual average of 75.6%.
By David Wilkening
