Get ready for non-stop action when the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ kicks off on 14 June at Hard Rock Stadium! This year marks the tournament’s debut in a new, expanded format with 32 top teams from around the globe—including Inter Miami CF—battling it out across 12 U.S. cities. 🎉
Whether you’re hitting the stadium or watching with friends, we’ve got your game plan: match schedules, watch parties, dining spots, and must-do activities in Miami.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of soccer history in one of the world’s most electric cities!
Starting Thursday 1st May 2025, a new online visitor booking system will regulate the number of visitors at the Comino’s Blue Lagoon, to protect and preserve the delicate ecosystems of this popular Natura 2000 site.
As announced earlier this year, the Malta Tourism Authority, in collaboration with the Tourism Ministry and other entities and authorities, is launching this system as part of a multi-pronged drive to augment sustainability and enhance visitor experience at the Blue Lagoon.
“Book, Protect, Enjoy” is the basis of the new system, whereby individuals or groups arriving by private or commerical vessels wishing to set foot at the Blue Lagoon, will need to pre-book using a free online system – www.bluelagooncomino.mt. Visitors can book one of the three available daily time slots (08:00-13:00, 13:30 – 17:30 and 18:00 – 22:00). Using basic details and an email address, the booking system will instantly generate a unique QR code to be presented to officials at the site’s coastal and land access points. Visitors will be provided with a unique wristband, allowing access for the duration of the time slot.
The new system will be introduced on Thursday, 1st May 2025. In summer 2024, up to 12,000 visitors were recorded at the Blue Lagoon at any one time, especially at peak hours. The new booking system allows a maximum of 4,000 visitors at Blue Lagoon at any one time. Access without a valid booking will not be permitted and infringement may be subject to a fine. During the first few weeks, officials on site will provide guidance to visitors who may not yet be familiar with the booking process.
The new system is one of the first actions of a two-year project spearheaded by Team Blue Lagoon, bringing together several ministries, authorities and entities, including the Malta Tourism Authority, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, the Ministry for Gozo and Planning, Transport Malta, the Environmnetal and Resources Authority, the Police, LESA, and the Civil Protection Department. In summer 2025, this first phase of this project will also include the following actions:
The Malta Tourism Authority and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism will soon be launching stakeholder consultations on other long-term protection and rehabilitation measures. All measures are planned to be in place by summer 2026.
| Miami Spa Months return this summer, so don’t miss the chance to take advantage of special savings at top spas. |
With seven miles of stunning shoreline, there’s no surprise that hotels along
Miami Beach come with stellar ocean views, but some add extra-special amenities and services that create premium luxury experiences. From storied resorts to wellness retreats to celebrity hangouts, check out our selection of top oceanfront accommodations when you want to take in the best of the beach.
Save 15% on stays before or after your cruise at Sentral Alea Miami, located just minutes from PortMiami.
The world took another bite out of Greater Miami’s culinary excellence as the prestigious Michelin Guide unveiled its 2025 Florida selections, with Greater Miami and Miami Beach once again commanding the spotlight with the most stars awarded. The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) proudly celebrates this year’s honorees whose culinary artistry continues to position the destination as a global epicenter for exceptional dining.
From the debut of the world’s largest cruise terminal to multiple high-profile inaugural sailings, the destination continues to lead the way in cruising innovation. With cutting-edge infrastructure, seamless accessibility, and PortMiami at the helm, Miami offers an unmatched pre- and post-cruise experience for travellers from around the world.
In February, PortMiami made headlines by hosting a record-breaking 10 cruise ships and nearly 68,000 cruise passengers in a single day — a new benchmark for global ports. The momentum carried into April with two major inaugural cruise events:
The inaugural sailing of MSC World America which took place on 9 April from MSC’s new, four-level, 490,000-square-foot facility — now officially the largest cruise terminal in the world. As one of the most anticipated new cruise ships of 2025, it offers guests a luxurious Caribbean cruise experience right from Miami’s cruise terminal.
The launch of Norwegian’s Aqua, the first in its Prima Plus class, which took place on 13 April. Featuring attractions like the Aqua Slidecoaster, this next-generation luxury cruise ship will begin its Caribbean cruise from Miami.
These milestones coincide with Seatrade Cruise Global, the world’s largest cruise industry convention, celebrating its 40th anniversary at the Miami Beach Convention Center. With over 600 exhibitors and thousands of cruise industry leaders, the event further reinforced Miami’s position at the forefront of global cruising.
“There is truly no place in the world like Greater Miami and Miami Beach when it comes to cruising,” said David Whitaker, President & CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. “With the opening of the world’s largest terminal, record passenger volume, and the honour of hosting Seatrade Cruise Global, our destination is not just participating in the cruise industry — we’re leading it.”
Greater Miami and Port Miami’s position as a premier global cruise hub is supported by industry-first innovations and traveller conveniences:
PortMiami is the first seaport to host a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Global Entry Enrollment Center allowing for expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers upon arrival in the United States.
World-class amenities and attractions near PortMiami make pre and post cruise experiences seamless. The Bayside Concierge luggage program allows cruise passengers to securely check bags and explore attractions like Bayside Marketplace, Bayfront Park, and acclaimed museums such as the Perez Art Museum (PAMM) and Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. Visitors can also elevate their time in Miami by catching a live performance at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, one of the premier cultural institutions in the country—all just minutes from the cruise terminal.
Quick arrival to Miami Beach with direct drive via the MacArthur Causeway, passengers reach Miami Beach in just 10-15 minutes, offering seamless access to hotels, world-class beaches and iconic attractions.
Access to a world-renowned culinary scene with Michelin Guide recognition as well as the beloved Miami Spice Restaurant programme available each year during the months of August and September.
With shore power infrastructure — the first major cruise port on the United States eastern seaboard — PortMiami is advancing sustainability by significantly reducing emissions while ships are docked. This cutting-edge system allows cruise ships to plug into the local electrical grid rather than running their engines, cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality in surrounding communities. The $125 million investment underscores Miami-Dade County’s commitment to environmental stewardship and positions PortMiami as a global leader in sustainable cruising practises. The shore power programme supports up to five cruise berths and is a key component of the county’s broader climate resilience strategy.
PortMiami serves over 8.2 million cruise passengers annually and is the preferred departure point for top cruise lines including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, MSC Cruises, and Virgin Voyages. Whether you’re planning a family cruise from Miami, a weekend getaway, or a luxury cruise holiday, PortMiami offers diverse itineraries and world-class ships.
Located on Dodge Island in the heart of Biscayne Bay, PortMiami offers unmatched accessibility for travellers from around the world. Just 8 miles (approximately 15 minutes) from Miami International Airport —one of the busiest international gateways in the U.S.—and directly connected to Brightline high-speed rail service, now linking to Miami from locations in South and Central Florida, the port is seamlessly integrated into the region’s transportation infrastructure. Whether arriving by air, rail, or road, cruise passengers can easily transition from arrival to embarkation. Surrounding PortMiami are some of the top-rated pre or post cruise hotels in the country, offering everything from luxury suites with bay views to family-friendly accommodations steps from PortMiami.
Double-digit growth recorded across all key indicators
The Malta Tourism Authority is proud to announce exceptional performance in inbound tourism for the first two months of the year overall. Official statistics released by the National Statistics Office reveal record-breaking figures, highlighting Malta’s growing appeal as a premier travel destination.
In February 2025, Malta welcomed 210,305 international inbound tourists, setting a new monthly record and marking a 24.2% increase (approximately 41,000 more tourists) over the same period last year. Total guests nights reached 1,237,182 up by 21.8%, while tourist expenditure surged to €146.8 million, representing a 28.2% rise. Average length of stay stood at 5.9 nights, and per captia expenditure increase from €676 to €695.
The age demographics of visitors were led by individuals aged 25 to 44 years (38%), followed by those aged 45 to 64 (34.2%). British, Polish, and Italian tourists accounted for 46.8% of the total inbound tourists.
Performance for the combined period of January and February 2025 also demonstrated impressive results:
Strategic air connectivity developments have significantly contributed to these outstanding results. Malta is now connected to seven airports in Poland, all offering significantly more capacity compared to the same period last year. Additionally, the introduction of Aer Lingus operating flights from Dublin, Ireland during the winter season has further strengthened Malta’s reach in key source markets.
Reflecting on this outstanding tourism performance the Deputy Prime Minister and Minsiter for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Hon. Ian Borg remarked: “These exceptional results are a testament to Malta’s enduring appeal and the effectiveness of our national tourism strategy. our record-breaking growth in early 2025 reflects targeted investment in connectivity, diversified marketing, and a commitment to quality. We are not simply aiming for more tourists – we are building a sustainable, year-round tourism economy that benefits our communities and showcases the very best of what Malta has to offer”
Poland led the way in terms of growth, contributing nearly 23, 000 additional tourists, followed by the United Kingom (+12,000), Ireland (+6,229), and France (+5,035).
Dr. Charles Mangion, Chairman of the Malta Tourism Authority, commented: “These results are a clear reflection of the Malta Tourism Authority’s strategic investments in air connectivity, market diversification, and year-round destination promotion. Our ongoing collaboration with airline partners, travel trade, and stakeholders is ensuring that Malta remains top-of-mind for travellers. The record-breaking performance in the first two months of the year and sustained growth in early 2025 reaffirm the resilience and attractiveness of our tourism product.
The MTA remains committed to building on this momentum by supporting innovative initiatives and sustainable growth across all segments of the tourism sector.
VIPLANE has announced the reopening of its newly furnished VIP Premium Lounge, in partnership with Faleolo Airport Lounge. VIPLANE clients can now access this exclusive lounge designed for corporate clients and high-end travellers. The VIP Premium Lounge features private restrooms and unique décor, offering travellers a relaxing environment as they prepare to depart our shores. Customers now have the option to choose between the Airline Business Lounge, which caters to business class travellers, and the VIP Premium Lounge, both accessible through VIPLANE.
Samoa has been honoured with the “Emerging Island Holiday Destination” award by the National Tourism Magazine in China, held earlier this month. This accolade is a testament to the dedication and hard work invested by the Authority and the tourism sector in promoting Samoa as a premier travel destination within the Asia and China market.
Close