Despite a decline in occupancy and room rate in the month of February 2009, Greater Miami and the Beaches ranked #2 in Hotel Room Occupancy at 73.3% and moved up from January’s [2008] #3 ranking to be ranked #2 in Average Daily Room Rate (ADR), at $179.85 among the Top 25 Markets in the U.S. Smith Travel Research compares and ranks the top markets in the United States based on Hotel Room Occupancy and Average Daily Room Rates (ADR). (See chart, right.)
As the Gateway to the Americas and an international destination for visitors from around the world, Miami is truly a global community. Selected World Market data below provides a picture of how Miami compares to several international destinations during the current global recession. The cities below are not only representative of Miami’s feeder markets, but also competitors for international visitors. (See chart, right.)
“Miami: Where Worlds Meet” arrived in Toronto last week to promote the destination for business, vacation and meetings. Over 70 members of the media and trade convened during a private event in the heart of downtown Toronto and enjoyed a night of Miami “new Latin” cuisine and cocktails. The Miami Downtown Development Authority sponsored a green screen where guests had their picture taken with the Miami downtown skyline as a backdrop. A special “Road to the Championship” trip giveaway was awarded by The Homestead Miami Speedway. The aggressive "Miami: Where Worlds Meet" initiative – which spans North and South America, as well as Europe – is a collaboration of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), The Beacon Council and American Airlines. Unprecedented in its scope, the campaign is also being supported by Miami-Dade County, the Port of Miami and Miami International Airport.
The U.S. Travel Association reports that International Pow Wow is attracting renewed interest this year around the globe. With seven weeks to go, 52 new buyer companies and 167 first time buyers have already registered for International Pow Wow, being held May 16-20, 2009 at Miami Beach Convention Center. The impact of the global recession may be having an enticing impact, as buyers are finding lower hotel and airline prices and available capacity in the U.S. This year, registration is especially heavy among buyers from Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, the Ukraine and United Kingdom. Also represented will be six of the seven new VISA Waiver countries: the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, the Republic of Korea (South Korea), Latvia and Lithuania. And Nicaragua and Pakistan will be represented for the first time this year. Appointment scheduling has started. To register, go to www.PowWowOnline.com.
The U.S. Travel Association’s (formerly TIA) 41st annual International Pow Wow takes place in Greater Miami and the Beaches at the Miami Beach Convention Center on May 16-20, 2009. Pow Wow is the travel industry's premier international marketplace and the largest generator of Visit USA travel. In just three days of intensive pre-scheduled, computer-generated business appointments, more than 1,000 U. S. travel organizations from every region of the USA, and representing all industry category components, and close to 1,500 International and Domestic Buyers from more than 70 countries, conduct business negotiations that result in the generation of over $3.5 billion in future visits to USA travel destinations. At International Pow Wow, buyers and sellers are able to conduct business that would otherwise be generated only through an exhaustive number of around-the-world trips. International Pow Wow is also an opportunity for unique news coverage for USA travel destinations and products. Over 450 travel journalists from over 40 countries participated in International Pow Wow 2008. Great opportunities exist for destination and product articles to appear in major trade and consumer publications from around the world. Historically, the business negotiated during International Pow Wow results in the generation of $4 billion in future travel to the United States. The Host Community usually sees about 10% or $400 million of business over the 3 years after hosting International Pow Wow. To learn more, visit www.tia.org/PowWow/General_Information.html .
The GMCVB Convention Sales staff and Airport Task Force consisting of eight airport hotels held an all day telephone blitz targeting meeting planners from corporate and associations nationwide. Four hundred and sixty six calls were made by 18 sales managers on March 25 resulting in 20 leads to be followed up on. GMCVB President & CEO William D. Talbert III, CDME joined the reps as they wrapped up for the day to congratulate everyone involved. Special thanks to Wyndham Miami Airport’s General Manager, Robert Lepore, for hosting the blitz as well as being part of the task force. Other airport task force hotels included: Doubletree Mart, Marriott, Crowne Plaza, Hilton, Sofitel, Hyatt Summerfield Suites and Embassy Suites. This combined effort to showcase and sell the airport area was well received by the planners. Cecilia Orbegozo, Director of Sales & Marketing for the Doubletree Mart and Chair of this year’s Airport Task Force leadership, contributed to the success of the blitz.
Volunteers are needed to assist with International Pow Wow at Miami Beach Convention Center in the following areas: Tour Sign Up, Meet and Greet, Special Event Hosts, Interpreters, Receptionists, Material Check-in/Out and Door Monitors. Volunteers will be part of an Appreciation Party, receive wonderful prizes, and be a part of Miami’s #1 industry – Tourism! Note: Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. To find out more, click here.
On March 20, 2009, Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez launched the “V” Volunteer initiative website www.iamInvolved.org. The V initiative is the Mayor’s contribution to improving the quality of life in the community. It draws on the collective efforts of government, business and the community to make Miami-Dade County a better place to live. Volunteers will be able to log on to the V website to learn about volunteering opportunities throughout the region, which match their interests. Via the website, volunteers will be able to register for exciting new events the V initiative will be hosting in the coming months. Users will also be able network and participate in projects, while showcasing civic pride. For additional information or to sign up and volunteer, log on to www.iamInvolved.org.
The South Florida Super Bowl Host Committee will present its 2nd NFL Emerging Business Workshop, entitled “Meet the Players,” at Dolphin Stadium, Gate C, Club Level on Wednesday, April 1, 2009, 9:30 a.m. These workshops serve as informational forums designed to prepare small-, minority- and women-owned business owners with tools necessary to do business with the Super Bowl. The first seminar, recently hosted in Broward County, provided over 600 business owners/partners with information about funding, procurement and the Request for Proposals process. Additionally, over 10 Certifying Agencies were on hand to assist businesses with obtaining certification. Unique to this upcoming workshop is the opportunity for businesses to hear directly from primary NFL Contractors (key players in the procurement process), other purchasing entities and participate in business-to-business networking. To RSVP, email the South Florida Super Bowl Host Committee’s Community Outreach Department at EmeringBusiness@SouthFloridaSuperBowl.com or call 305-614-7560.
In an effort to save jobs in the midst of the uproar over corporate travel, the U.S. Travel Association (formerly TIA) launched a campaign to ensure that media and policy makers understand the importance of meetings, events and incentive travel. The “Meetings Mean Business” campaign is a comprehensive travel industry effort that includes grassroots organizing, paid advertising, and Internet marketing. On March 26, “Meetings Mean Business” launched a new initiative called “Faces of Travel.” This initiative is designed to find the travel industry employee(s) who best embodies the character and hardworking spirit of the travel industry. The winner (or winners) will become the newest spokesperson for the industry, including interaction with the media and policymakers. To participate, industry employees are encouraged to submit a 45-60 second video telling why they are the “face of travel” and how business travel, meetings and events are important to them, their company and their community. Videos are to be submitted through www.MeetingsMeanBusiness.com/FacesofTravel. The contest began on Thursday, March 26 and will close at noon EST on April 24, 2009.
On Saturday, April 18, 2009, Miami Beach will produce its first ever “Gay Pride Festival” an initiative of City of Miami Beach Mayor Matti Bower and the Mayor’s Gay Business Development Council. GMCVB Associate Vice President of Cultural Tourism George Neary was appointed by the Miami Beach Mayor to sit on this committee. This historic initiative brings together civic, community and business leaders to produce a one-day festival on famous Ocean Drive, Miami Beach to 10,000+ people. Festivities will include a parade, a business expo, community booths, live entertainment and much more. The Gay Pride Parade will be held on Ocean Drive between 5th and 15th Street starting at noon and going on until 6 p.m. The festival aims to inspire appreciation and acceptance of the diversity of Miami Beach, and to raise awareness of the vibrant GLBT community within our local community and to visitors to our destination. Opportunities are now available for Sponsorship, Parade Float participation and Expo/Festival Booth Participation. Contact Cindy@MiamiBeachGayPride.com for more information or visit http://www.miamibeachgaypride.com/.
Don’t miss out on the 5th Season of the Miami Beach Polo World Cup! This three-day international polo tournament will bring eight teams from around the world to compete for La Martina Trophy at its spectacular oceanfront location between 20th and 22nd Streets on Miami Beach. Events include a player presentation/press conference, polo games Friday through Sunday, and social gatherings. This year, a new Three-Day Pass option is available for only $350. Tickets are now available at: www.MiamiPolo.com.
