Of all the factors that make Miami a prime incentive choice – the beaches, the hotels, the
people – the most striking these days is its image. Once the butt of endless ‘God’s waiting
room’ jokes, the city is today established as a hub of vitality and modern decadence.
Boutique boltholes, designer stores and high-end restaurants have all helped fluff up its stature to that of a glossy-magazine mainstay. Add to that the rich Hispanic flavour that permeates everything from music to menus and the overall package is attractive.
“Things are changing in the city almost by the month and, over the past three or four
years, Miami has really re-established itself as a key destination,” says Peter Moss, director of sales, Asia and Europe, for the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Authority (GMCVA).
“It describes itself as ‘almost America’, and when you combine the fashionable aspect with
the Latin influence, it makes for a unique feel.”
The likes of JC Decaux, Samsung, Renault and Clarins would endorse this although there
aren’t any figures showing the Asian conference and incentive sector’s contribution to
Miami’s visitor numbers.
BOOMING HOTELS
The hotel sector is booming. It’s the trendy all-suite properties and new condominium
towers around the North Beaches – courtesy of the likes of Le Meridien and luxury
operator Rosewood – that are causing most chatter, but other established international
chains are maintaining a strong presence too.
Following the opening three years ago of the Ritz-Carlton South Beach, the group now
has three properties in Miami alone. Sheraton, Hyatt Regency and Mandarin Oriental are all
present too, while the 91-room Hyatt-owned Hotel Victor on Ocean Drive is another
recent addition, while a Shangri-La is planned in the mid-term.
The opening in 2006 of the 9,300 sqm Carnival Center for Performing Arts is the biggest news in the events market, complementing three existing convention centres in the Miami region. Moss admits, however, that most inbound business is almost wholly incentive based. The colourful vibrancy of the Art Deco district in South Beach makes it an obligatory inclusion on
itineraries, but the major lure is still waterbased activities.
MANY CHANGES
Oxford International organised a Miami event for a 40-strong pharmaceutical advisory
board earlier this year. Managing director John Walker says: “We use Miami quite
often. It’s changed a lot over the past few years, and all for the better. It’s done a New
York by having a clean-up and turning into somewhere you really want to go. They’ve
opened some great hotels and restaurants and the service is excellent.”
MIAMI DIRECTORY
Greater Miami Convention
& Visitors Authority
Contact Peter Moss
Tel +1 444 44 33 55
Email peter@gmcvb.com
Web www.gmcvb.com
Time difference GMT -4 hours
