Despite Hurricane Irma, Miami hit a new record of tourists in 2017

Even after hurricane season, the closure of the Miami Beach Convention Center for restorations, and the Zika virus, the number of overnight visitors in 2017 hit a new record: 15.9 million, according to Bill Talbert, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.

“This number represents an increase of almost 1% compared to 2016, with demand for the destination growing by 4.7% with hotels selling more room nights in 2017 compared to 2016,” explained Talbert. “Overnight visitors spent up to $26 billion in the community,” he said, “which is a 2.1% increase compared to last year.”

The majority of visitors, more than 96%, travel to Miami by air, according to Rolando Aedo, chief marketing officer, and bureau executive vice president. The number of seats in flights from Brazil had an increase of 3.2%, Germany 12.5%, Argentina 8.2% followed by Colombia with 2% in 2017. This gain can be explained with “the increase in passenger seats on established routes and the addition of new airline routes to the destination,” said Aedo.

Furthermore, Mr. Talbert said, “the re-opening of the Miami Beach Convention Center will only add to the increase of tourism activity in Miami through meetings and conventions.”

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