This summer vibrant Miami continues to be a tempting destination thanks to the Miami Temptations Program; a series of themed months. Organized by Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau's (GMCVB) they are curated to celebrate and the vibrant destination with inticing deals and offers. This summer, visitors can grab fantastic deals and offers during the Miami Spa Months, Miami Hotel Months and Miami Spice Restaurant Months. It offers 50% off treatments at some of Miami's top spas, promotional hotel stays and discounted set menus.   Miami Spa Months July 1 – August 31 GMCVB invites locals and visitors to rejuvenate during Miami Spa Months. This two-month event offers a variety of revitalising spa treatments at attractive prices, with options priced at $109, $159 and $199. With more than 40 participating spas, guests can indulge in a range of specialised treatments. This year, Miami Spa Months introduces new Signature Spa Experiences, curated by select best-in-class spas such as Ciel Spa at SLS Brickell, K'alma Spa and Aquanox Spa. These offerings feature experiences such as ocean therapy and astrology reading. Guests can unwind with soothing massages, such as the $199 Polynesian Sanctuary Body Ritual at the Biltmore Hotel Spa. At the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove Spa, a $159 full-body soft pressure massage comes with access to the pool, steam room, and sauna.   Miami Hotel Months June 1 – September 30 Miami Hotel Months features over 80 offers on stays at top hotels and resorts from June 1 to September 30. This four-month-long initiative provides an array of options for every type of traveler in downtown Miami and Miami Beach. Guests can take advantage of various special packages, complimentary add-ons and BOGO (Buy One Get One) hotel nights. Families and couples can find special packages, while solo travellers can enjoy exclusive deals on rooms, extra nights, and added amenities. This year's Miami Hotel Months features both returning favourites and new additions, including Mr. C Miami Coconut Grove, Urbanica Euclid Hotel, and citizenM Miami World Centre, among others.   Highlights include National Hotel Miami and Beacon Hotel South Beach, which offer 20% off the nightly rate. Mayfair House Hotel & Garden in Coconut Grove provides up to 25% off room rates. Carillon Miami Wellness Resort offers a third night free for extra relaxation.   Miami Spice Restaurant Months August 1 – September 30 Miami Spice Restaurant Months returns from August 1 to September 30, offering food lovers the chance to indulge in the diverse culinary scene of Greater Miami and Miami Beach. Sponsored by Woodford Reserve, the event features prix fixe, three-course menus at over 250 restaurants, with lunch/brunch  and dinner options. This year's program boasts Michelin-designated restaurants and includes options from more than 20 neighbourhoods and cuisine types. Foodies can discover over 40 new participating restaurants. Americana Kitchen offers an engaging social ambiance, while Aba in Bal Harbor is a delightful fusion of Mediterranean flavors. For Italian cuisine aficionados, Editor Ristorante & Pizzeria gas delectable burrata and penne pasta. Gekkō is a must-visit Japanese-inspired steakhouse from David Grutman and recording artist Bad Bunny.   For more details:  www.MiamiTemptations.com

Last year Miami was named one of the world's greatest places by TIME Magazine, and this year won the title '2023 Food City of the Year'. Both are testament to a thriving and cosmopolitan destination, located in South Florida, with a burgeoning culinary scene highlighted in the Florida Michelin Guide. Not only is Miami one of the best global LGBTQ+ travel destinations, but also culturally diverse and family In May this year, the GMCVB hosted its annual State of the Tourism and Travel Industry event, revealing it welcomed over 26.5 million visitors last year. The UK sits at number 5 in the list of top international markets, with a 423% growth in visitors compared to 2021.   NEW DINING SPOTS Abbale Telavivian Kitchen is set to open a second larger location in Aventura this September. The menu will also expand with several new dishes as well as dishes that Abbale has become known for since opening in 2021. abbaletlv.com   Avra Estiatorio has recently revealed its first Florida location in Sunny Isles Beach. Avra Estiatorio, which originally debuted in New York City nearly 22 years ago, has debuted its chic Greek dining room — complete with ocean views — inside the Estates at Acqualina. theavragroup.com/   Brasserie Laurel is Ariete Hospitality's newest restaurant and is located in Downtown Miami Worldcenter. Their cuisine is "French-inspired Miami cuisine" with a menu including boeuf en croûte, escargot in vol-au-vent, frog legs, and seared foie gras. brasserielaurel.com/   Joliet recently opened as one of the newest additions to the Lost Boy at Co. venues. Joliet is a homegrown establishment from those all-day affairs to the evening tides. jolietmiamibeach.com/   Jaguar Sun – The newly awarded Bib Gourmand Jaguar Sun is an intimate restaurant and cocktail bar in the heart of downtown Miami with a focus on raw seafood, pasta, and a curated collection of hard-to-find rum and agave. Besides a Bib Gourmand restaurant, Jaguar Sun has been Eater Miami's Bar of the Year, a Bon Appetit Best New Restaurant, and has been nominated for numerous Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards, including Best US Bar Team. jaguarsunmia.com/   Rosie's – Another Bib Gourmand restaurant, which started out as a wildly popular brunch pop-up in Overtown has evolved into this permanent brick-and-mortar in Little River. The notably Southern menu covers a generous amount of ground. Deviled eggs with chicharrones, biscuits in guanciale gravy and fluffy banana pancakes with vanilla custard are primo brunch favourites. Heartier hits, like fried hot chicken and waffles or a generous fried fish and grits with collard greens, satisfy larger appetites. rosiesmia.com/   Tablé by Antonio Bachour recently opened behind Bachour cafes in South Florida. The all-day modern French brasserie serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, featuring Parisian brasserie-inspired dishes. tablebachour.com/   Tambourine Room located in The Carillon Miami Wellness Resort in collaboration with chef Tristan Brandt has recently opened. This 18-seat fine-dining destination serves to mark the chef's official US debut. The restaurant's name pays homage to the resort's Tambourine Room lounge, which first opened in 1958.  carillonhotel.com/   Zeru Miami recently opened the first international outpost by the Mexico City-based Zeru Group, Zeru Miami will serve signature Mediterranean-Basque cuisine in the heart of Brickell. Seasonal seafood and traditional Basque-style grill techniques are the pillars of the restaurant's gastronomical experience, offered in a contemporary dining room anchored by a trendy 20-seat bar zerumiami.com/   Rum Room Restaurant –The newest Miami jewel, from the moment you step in the Rum Room, you are transported you to a tropical paradise. The menu boasts a wide array of Latin American and Caribbean flavors with contemporary flair. The bar is equally impressive, offering a vast selection of rum cocktails. rumroommiamibeach.com/   LEKU - LEKU, the popular Miami restaurant known for its Côte Basque cuisine announced the appointment of Carlos García as Executive Chef. The restaurant, which was recognized by the 2022 MICHELIN Guide and awarded Wine Spectator's 2022 Award of Excellence, has also revealed a new menu LEKU has also introduced Basque-style pintxos (similar to tapas). lekumiami.com/.   HOTTEST NEW HOTELS Hotel AKA Brickell: is a new luxury hotel with 160 fully furnished and serviced residences. The crown jewel of the hotel is its magnificent rooftop pool and lounge, where guests can take a refreshing dip while enjoying the breath-taking views. The hotel's fitness centre is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and wellness programs. The full-service restaurant and bar offers locally-inspired cuisine and signature cocktails. stayaka.com/   Acqualina Resort & Residences On The Beach: Oceanfront opulence at Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach. The highly anticipated 2023 tower expansion will bring 32 new suites and 78 guest rooms, enhancing the resort's existing 98 rooms. Guests have access to a private beach, and can cool off in one of three oceanfront swimming pools. Relaxation seekers can indulge at the 20,000-square-foot ESPA spa. acqualinaresort.com/   Kimpton Surfcomber Miami, South Beach: Steeped in Art Deco glamour, the Kimpton Surfcomber Miami South Beach is set to be reborn later in 2023, with the addition of a new rooftop pool and bar and 45 new guest rooms. Located just steps from the beach, it is known for its stylish design and playful atmosphere. The property features a bright and airy lobby, a lush outdoor courtyard with hammocks and an on-site restaurant serving fresh coastal cuisine. surfcomber.com/   Fontainebleau Miami Beach: In 2023 this legendary hotel undergoes a major transformation. The property's 1,500 guest rooms and suites, 12 restaurants and bars, and 40,000-square-foot spa will be updated with a fresh design. The hotel is home to the famous LIV nightclub, as well as several other chic lounges and bars. Guests can relax on the pristine beach, lounge by one of the resort's 12 pools, or indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment. fontainebleau.com/   Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay: Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay is a waterfront hotel in the heart of downtown Miami. In 2023, the hotel will debut a new rooftop pool and bar, adding to its already impressive array of amenities. The 601 guest rooms and suites will be updated with a modern design, while the public spaces will be refreshed with contemporary decor. It is home to a full-service restaurant and bar, fitness centre, and over 20,000 square feet of event space. www.marriott.com/   Mayfair House Hotel & Garden: Nestled in charming Coconut Grove, the historic Mayfair House Hotel & Garden is set to undergo a major renovation. The hotel's 179 guest rooms and suites will be updated. The rooftop pool and terrace offer stunning views of the neighbourhood, and the hotel's full-service restaurant and bar serves up delicious cuisine and handcrafted cocktails. mayfairhousemiami.com/   The Pelican Hotel: situated in the heart of South Beach, its an Art Deco-inspired hotel that will be undergoing a significant transformation in 2023. The hotel will be adding new guest rooms, updated public spaces, and exciting amenities including a new rooftop terrace. The hotel's 29 guest rooms and suites will be updated to offer modern amenities. The full-service restaurant and bar will also be updated to provide guests with a unique dining experience. pelicanhotel.com/

 

The state of the industry event celebrated record-high numbers that continue to fuel tourism growth and local economic prosperity

  Last Thursday, at loan Depot park, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) hosted its annual State of the Tourism and Travel Industry presentation and shared that Greater Miami and Miami Beach, renowned for its cultural diversity, stunning beaches, cutting-edge culinary establishments and thriving arts and culture offerings, witnessed another year of unprecedented travel growth.   According to Miami-Dade County’s official destination marketing organisation, the statistics below confirmed what was expected to be a successful 2022 season:  

• Greater Miami and Miami Beach welcomed more than 5 million visitors in 2022.
• This increased number of travellers reached into their purses and generated higher levels of spending ─ upwards of an estimated $20.8 billion ─ marking an 8% increase over 2021.
• More hotel guests accounted for the 17.1 million hotel room nights sold in 2022, representing an increase of 7% compared to 2021.

  "We strongly believe that these 2022 results can be attributed to our destination’s all-star line-up of attractions, amenities, dining, accommodations and the tireless work of industry partners,” said David Whitaker, president and CEO of the GMCVB. "But the numbers by themselves don’t tell the whole story of what sustained success in this industry means. Tourism fuels job growth and economic vitality resulting in quality-of-life benefits as a result of visitor taxes that support everything from arts and culture to healthcare and transportation."   The industry recovery that began in 2021 carried over into 2022 with sustained room bookings at record levels. At the forefront of travel, Miami International Airport (MIA) served more than 50.6 million travellers and welcomed new carriers including Southwest Airlines, JetBlue and Spirit Airlines. Despite challenges posed by international travel restrictions and extended visa wait times, Greater Miami and Miami Beach experienced a resurgence of its traditional international markets. The rebound in the international overnight visitor market highlighted a steady growth rate of 2.7% in 2022.   The cruise market made a triumphant return with a surge in guest volume that began in the summer, rebounding to 2019 levels.   Cumulatively, international visitors comprised 25% of the overnight market, with 4.7 million visitors, contributing to 29% of tourist expenditures.   "As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of the travel and tourism industry, 2022 serves as a powerful reminder of the appeal of our destination. The return of the international visitor has been key to our destination’s success,” said Bruce Orosz, GMCVB board chair. “With the reactivated GMCVB international office network spanning 50 cities in 53 countries, we’ve galvanized key resources to promote international travel to Greater Miami and Miami Beach. Innovation and collaboration are critical moving forward as we compete among global destinations to remain the business, leisure, conference and meetings location of choice for visitors from around the world."   The meetings and conventions sector also experienced significant growth, with bookings filling the destination’s iconic Miami Beach Convention Centre (MBCC) and surrounding hotels. Year to date, the GMCVB has worked to confirm 386 conventions and meetings, locking in 239,218 total room nights. For 2023, meetings and conventions of note include Bitcoin North America, Machine Learning and Systems, LE/Miami: This is Beyond, Florida International Medical Expo (FIME), American Black Film Festival and the American Vein and Lymphatic Society. Representatives from the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA, Jan. 10 - 13) and Exp Realty (Oct. 28 - Nov. 1, 2024, and Oct. 20 - 23, 2025) both made onsite announcements that their organizations have selected the MBCC for future conventions.   Notably, Greater Miami and Miami Beach’s hotels not only sold more rooms in 2022 but also exceeded 2021 by 13%. Moreover, hotel daily rates increased 14%, indicating a willingness among visitors to invest in unparalleled hospitality and luxury experiences. The increase in room sales and record-high hotel rates contributed to an increase in gross hotel revenue of 29%.   Unparalleled hospitality experiences include exquisite dining and thanks to publications like the Florida Michelin Guide, which debuted in 2022, and most recently bon appétit magazine naming Miami its Food City of the Year, Greater Miami and Miami Beach’s dining scene is generating unprecedented buzz.   Throughout the state of the industry event, the GMCVB showcased several new initiatives, including expanded multicultural tourism and development efforts, the Miami Begins With Me training programme, Rainbow Spring and the popular Miami Temptations programs. These initiatives aim to raise awareness of the destination's diverse heritage neighbourhoods, create an authentic and welcoming experience for all visitors and provide promotions and savings at top eateries.   The GMCVB’s focus for 2023 includes expanding offerings and improving the visitor experience while at the same time delivering marketing and branding campaigns like "Find Your Miami," a promotional effort that displays the cultural richness of Miami's neighbourhoods and countywide experiences. Among other presentation highlights, the GMCVB has zeroed in on the talent pipeline, specifically by supporting career development through its Black Hospitality Initiative and recently raised over $200,000 to support scholarships. The organization is also taking steps to broaden its commitment to sustainability and inclusivity.   For more information, please visit: https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/gmcvb-partners/tools-resources/state-of-the-industry

The city of Miami Beach is implementing a curfew in order to curb violence over spring break. Officials responded quickly after weekend shootings wounded five people. Mayor Dan Gelber said spring breakers had created an ‘unacceptable’ atmosphere and action needed to be taken. ."We simply cannot endure this anymore,” he said. The curfew is effective Thursday from 12:01 a.m until 6 a.m. on March 28.

Budget carrier Spirit Airlines plans to muscle in on key hub airports in the south to compete with much bigger rivals Delta and American Airlines. Spirit plans to open crew bases in Atlanta and Miami this year, creating hundreds of pilot and flight attendant jobs. Atlanta is Delta’s primary hub airport, while American Airlines operates 300 flights a day out of MIA. Spirit and Frontier Airlines recently announced plans to merge.

Enterprise Florida, Inc.'s voted to award $10 million in funds to support the Miami and Orlando bids to be selected as U.S. host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The funds will support the cities' planning and operational needs in hosting fans during the tournament. It would support security, transportation and other infrastructure needs, with $5 million grants going to the Greater Orlando Sports Commission and the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau.   Read full story

With the US borders finally open to vaccinated travellers from the UK, Miami is excited to welcome back Brits to sunny South Florida. There are plenty of new openings from a brand new underwater sculpture park set to open later this year, to ground-breaking, experiential art installations, and of course, world-class hotels, restaurants and bars for which Miami is renowned.   New attractions The Underline Over the course of the next four years, the underutilised land below Miami's Metrorail, stretching from the Miami River to Dadeland South Station will be transformed into a 10-mile linear park, urban trail and public art destination. The first section of The Underline, called the 'Brickell Backyard' opened in February 2021 and features urban biking paths, a basketball court, an outdoor gym, nature and butterfly gardens, as well as landscaped areas for activities such as yoga and doggy meetups. The Reefline The ReefLine is an underwater public sculpture park and artificial reef slated to open its first phase at the end of 2021, as a partnership with the City of Miami Beach and Coral Morphologic. The ReefLine will feature environmentally functioning artworks by major international artists and designers. The seven-mile underwater public sculpture park, snorkel trail and artificial reef will be located off Miami Beach's shoreline. Conceived by BlueLab's Chair Ximena Caminos, in close consultation with a team of expert marine biologists, researchers, architects and coastal engineers, the ReefLine will begin on South Beach and run north, providing a critical habitat for endangered reef organisms, The Oasis at Wynwood Located in Miami's artistic Wynwood neighbourhood, The Oasis at Wynwood opened in May 2021. This creative space covers around 350,000 square feet, all surrounding a courtyard filled with restaurants and bars. Experience six premier outdoor dining destinations and outdoor nightlife at the "Tower Bar." Enjoy weekly live performances, including top music artists, and cultural events with a focus on art and neighbourhood programming, plus retail pop ups, and a bevy of other events, all in an expansive outdoor setting. Le Rouge Lounge Another live entertainment destination in Wynwood, Le Rouge Lounge, opened its doors in June 2021. The 7,000-square-feet venue, is reminiscent of a glamorous 1920s French cabaret, drawing inspiration from the famed Moulin Rouge. It opens Thursday through Saturday, 9pm through 3am.  Le Rouge Lounge provides an authentic live entertainment experience in a highly stylised setting.  The first venue in Miami to feature a 360-degree, DJ "in the round" experience, Le Rouge Lounge boasts a live stage draped in red velvet, spacious enough to accommodate a 10-piece band, with elevated VIP seating for guests during DJ performances. Mixology is also an art form at Le Rouge Lounge, with veteran mixologist Samer Abdallah creating unique prohibition-era cocktails with a unique, modern twist. Superblue Another major opening of 2021 was Superblue in the heart of Miami's Allapattah neighbourhood.  Superblue is a groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind art destination specialising in large-scale installations that offer transformative experiences for visitors of all ages. Its trailblazing inaugural show Every Wall is a Door, showcases a new immersive environment by Es Devlin, a transcendent digital experience created by teamLab, and an illuminating light-based Ganzfeld work by James Turrell. The newly converted 50,000-square-foot industrial space will also boast a shop filled with artist-inspired items, event spaces, and an on-site outdoor cafe. Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel The end of 2020 saw a new landmark for Downtown Miami's skyline with the 200-fwwt tall Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel. Located at Bayside Marketplace, the Ferris wheel allows guests to take in spectacular views of Biscayne Bay and Miami's skyline from one of the 42 climate-controlled gondolas. Each enclosed gondola can hold up to eight people, staying in compliance with state and local COVID-19 guidelines. There is one VIP gondola with a glass floor, leather bucket seats and a custom LED light show.   New Foodie Attractions Over the course of the past year, dozens and dozens of new restaurants, bars and dining concepts have opened across Miami - and there is no sign of this slow down as we approach 2022. Earlier in the year, arts and cultural district Wynwood welcomed one of Brooklyn's acclaimed wood-fired restaurant and bar, Shelter, as well as Wayku, a unique dining experience of Latin fusion rooted in Andean culture. Down in Miami Beach, July 2021 saw the opening of Jia, a modern Chinese Dinner Club concept, as well as Gordon Ramsay's acclaimed Lucky Cat in South Beach. Sushi Fly Chicken, Toothfairy Bakery and Winker's Diner Back in September, Miami's Groot Hospitality unveiled three new dining concepts on Miami Beach's Alton Road. This trifecta of restaurants is located next door to one another, with each offering a completely different dining experience. Toothfairy is a retro-modern bakery and ice cream parlour, Sushi Fly Chicken is a taste of Tokyo's underground nightlife scene and Winker's Diner serves up the best all-American comfort food. Oche In July, South Beach welcomed the city's first gastro-gaming experience, combining action-packed dart games, elevated cuisine and craft cocktails. Named for the line players stand behind when throwing darts, Oche features 13 booths with tech-driven, action-packed dart games offering 85 minutes of entertainment for guests to enjoy. If you're a complete newbie to darts, no worries - Oche's proprietary technology makes darts simple and fun even for the novice player.   New hotel openings Greystone Miami Beach, opening late 2021 The Hotel Greystone is located within an iconic 1939 Art Deco building at the cultural crossroads of Collins Avenue near Lincoln Road and the Miami Beach Convention Center. The historic hotel officially aims to open its doors in late 2021 after undergoing a complete renovation. An expression of Miami Beach's past, present, and future, the 93-room adults-only property from Salt Hotels and B Group Capital exudes both a relaxed and refined vibe evident in eclectic spaces. Esmé Miami Beach, opening November 1 2021 On nearby Espanola Way, Esmé Miami Beach exudes bohemian grandeur throughout its Spanish-Mediterranean-inspired setting. Across the 145-room property, the ambiance captures the artistic spirit of days gone by, with elegant rooms in rich rose and emerald colours, mahogany tones, and gold accents featuring distinctive details. Stylish spaces for mixing and mingling abound with five food and beverage concepts. The Roof, featuring four interconnected spaces, provides a chic destination to sip artisanal sangria poolside. Essex House by Clevelander, re-opened July 2021 The newly renovated Essex House by Clevelander reopened on July 15 after closing its doors over a year ago. The historic Art Deco hotel, on the corner of Collins Avenue and 10th Street has made property-wide updates that include refurbishing 70 rooms and suites, new flooring in the guest rooms and corridors, the restoration of the historic lobby, new lobby furniture and a new conference room equipped with AV capabilities.  Essex House originally opened in early 1939 and was designed by renowned Miami Beach architect Henry Hohauser and associate Frederick A. Gibbs. The Goodtime Hotel, opened in spring 2021 Earlier in 2021, the Goodtime Hotel, the first collaborative lifestyle hotel brand from David Grutman of Groot Hospitality and Pharrell Williams, officially opened its doors on Miami Beach. The 266-room property offers an escapist atmosphere through its reimagined Art Deco aesthetic, which unwinds over nearly 100,000 square feet of public space. The Goodtime Hotel stands in a central, historic section of South Beach, along the town's famed Washington Avenue. The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) is an accredited not-for-profit sales and marketing organization whose mission is to attract visitors to Greater Miami & Miami Beach for leisure, business and conventions.

Michelin and Visit Florida together revealed an expansion of The Michelin Guide, with the announcement of The Michelin Guide Miami, Orlando and Tampa. "Michelin Guide inspectors look forward to discovering the culinary landscape in Miami, Orlando and Tampa," said Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guides. The inaugural edition for Guides to Miami, Orlando and Tampa will be announced in 2022. The new restaurant selections will join Michelin's selection of top rated hotels in Florida, curated by Tablet Hotels, the hotel experts at the Michelin Guide. "Visit Florida, along with our destination partners, Visit Orlando, Visit Tampa Bay and the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, are thrilled to partner with Michelin to develop a Michelin Guide to further establish Florida as a world-renowned culinary destination," said Dana Young, President and CEO of Visit Florida. "This gives Florida the opportunity to highlight the dynamic and unexpected culinary adventures the Sunshine State has to offer."