CloseLast year, the vibrant city of Miami was named one of the world’s greatest places by TIME Magazine, and this year has seen Miami being granted the title ‘2023 Food City of the Year’. Both testament to the thriving and cosmopolitan destination, located in South Florida, with a burgeoning culinary scene as highlighted in the Florida Michelin Guide. Not only is Miami one of the best global LGBTQ+ travel destinations, but also culturally diverse and family friendly, all of which are reflected in impressive international overnight visitor statistics.
MARKET UPDATE
In May this year, the GMCVB hosted its annual State of the Tourism and Travel Industry event, revealing impressive growth for Greater Miami and Miami Beach.
In 2022, the destination welcomed over 26.5 million visitors, leading to an estimated $20.8 billion in spending, an 8% increase from 2021. Hotel room nights sold reached 17.1 million, up by 12.7% compared to the previous year. The UK sits at number 5 in the list of top international markets, with a 423% growth in visitors from 2021.
The recovery trend continued with record-level room bookings, new airline carriers at Miami International Airport, and a resurgence of international markets. The meetings and conventions sector also experienced significant growth, and the hospitality and dining scenes garnered remarkable attention. For more information, visit https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/gmcvb-partners/tools-resources/state-of-the-industry
NEW CONNECTIONS
Norse Atlantic Airways will shift its flights from Gatwick to Miami instead of Fort Lauderdale starting from the 18th September. The Miami flights will operate four times a week during the winter season, utilising a 787 Dreamliner aircraft. Fares start from £450 for a round trip.
Aer Lingus reinstated its seasonal flights as of October 2022, with the carrier offering a convenient and affordable connection between UK destinations via Dublin. The route operates three times weekly and travellers can experience the benefits of pre-clearing US immigration in Dublin. Economy fares start from £229 each way.
Brightline’s Orlando Station is set to open on September 1st as their newest South Florida Stop. One-way fares between Miami and Orlando will start at $79, with Premium seating beginning at $149. Premium tickets come with complimentary meals, a dedicated first-class lounge, priority boarding, and other features. Families of four will have an option of less than $199 one-way tickets. For more information, visit gobrightline.com/orlando
DESTINATION NEWS
FIFA World Cup 26
Last month, FIFA and Greater Miami and Miami Beach launched the official brand for the FIFA World Cup 2026, called #WeAre26, along with the Miami Host City logo.
The campaign celebrates the unique aspects of each host city and features portraits of players from Little Haiti F.C., a free youth football club in Miami. A double-decker bus wrapped with the #WeAre26 and Miami Host City branding embarked on a tour across Miami-Dade County, visiting various locations and surprising youth football players with the opportunity to meet football legends. The Miami host city logo was also showcased in a sand sculpture on Miami Beach, and notable buildings in the area were illuminated to reflect the branding colours. The launch signifies the countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be held across three countries with 48 teams. The campaign aims to unite the host countries and create an inclusive and memorable tournament.
Miami, known as an international hotbed of football fans, is excited to provide a world-class experience for athletes, officials, and fans attending the event.
FOOD CITY OF THE YEAR
Miami has achieved a remarkable culinary feat, earning the prestigious title of “2023 Food City of the Year” from the esteemed US food and beverage publication, Bon Appétit. This recognition is a testament to the city’s culinary prowess, as well as its unwavering commitment to creating a vibrant food and beverage community.
Miami’s diverse range of dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences has become a primary draw for visitors, as evidenced by a recent Greater Miami and Miami Beach Visitor Industry Report, which shows a 50% increase in food and gastro-tourism alone in 2021, surpassing pre-pandemic numbers. This trend is fuelled by a recent influx of new dining concepts and top-tier culinary talent, with restaurants worldwide understanding that Greater Miami is a powerhouse destination for dining.
Colombian-born Chef Juan Manuel, French-born Daniel Boulud, and Australian-born Aaron Brooks are among the local chefs with international profiles. Many global brands head to Miami first to expand their brands, like Sexy Fish from London or Sofia from Toronto. Hospitality giant Major Food Group has delivered national institutions like New York’s Carbone to South Beach and Boston’s Contessa to the Miami Design District. The 2023 opening of Pastis from New York City is the latest addition of established brands to the city’s culinary scene.
Miami also plays host to a year-round slate of prestigious wine and food events. One of the nation’s largest and most famous food and wine festivals, the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One (SOBEWFF®) is a national, star-studded, four-day destination event and a must-attend forum for serious foodies. The festival celebrated its 22nd anniversary in 2023 and takes place in February every year.
As the destination rides this wave of celebratory news, GMCVB is also launching its 22nd Miami Spice Restaurant Months program this August, providing more accessible options for visitors to experience top restaurants in Miami.
MICHELIN GUIDE MIAMI, ORLANDO AND TAMPA
In the 2023 MICHELIN Guide ceremony for Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, four restaurants in Florida were awarded MICHELIN Stars for the first time. A total of 19 restaurants in Miami, Orlando, and Tampa have now received MICHELIN Stars, with L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Miami holding the highest distinction with two stars – making Miami the only destination in the state of Florida home to two Michelin stars. The guide also included 33 Bib Gourmand restaurants – of which 18 were in Miami – which offer great food at a good value. Florida’s culinary scene was praised for its diversity and creative cooking styles across the three culinary hotspots.
Of the four new restaurants receiving a MICHELIN star this year, Miami’s restaurant Tambourine Room By Tristan Brandt at the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort was included in this list,, joining eleven other restaurants in Miami awarded stars last year.
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. For more information, visit 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. For more information, visit 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. For more information, visit brasserielaurel.com/
Joliet recently opened as one of the newest additions to the Lost Boy at Co. venues. Whether capturing a seat at the raw bar, a rendezvous dinner poolside, or a weekend lunch reminiscing the escapades of the former evening, Joliet is a homegrown establishment from those all-day affairs to the evening tides. For more information, visit https://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. For more information, visit https://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, satiate larger appetites. For more information, visit https://www.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. The space is designed by Jorge Gonzalez in collaboration with Vertical Design Studio. For more information, visit 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 U.S. debut. The restaurant’s name pays homage to the resort’s Tambourine Room lounge, which first opened in 1958. For more information, visit 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 the Brickell neighbourhood. 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 and in a lively outdoor terrace. For more information, visit https://zerumiami.com/
Rum Room Restaurant –The newest Miami jewel, from the moment you step in the Rum Room, you are transported to a tropical paradise, with elegant decor and a chic, modern atmosphere. The menu is a true culinary masterpiece, boasting a wide array of delectable dishes that fuse Latin American and Caribbean flavours with contemporary flair. Each bite is a burst of flavour and an adventure for the senses, with fresh ingredients and expertly crafted recipes. The bar is equally impressive, offering a vast selection of rum cocktails that are simply divine. From classic favourites to unique creations, each sip is a journey to the Caribbean islands and a celebration of the art of mixology. For more information, visit https://www.rumroommiamibeach.com/
LEKU – LEKU, the popular Miami restaurant known for its Côte Basque cuisine, has announced the appointment of Carlos García as its 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 featuring an extraordinary array of delicious dishes created by García and his team. In addition to the new menu, LEKU has also introduced Basque-style pintxos (similar to tapas). For more information, visit https://www.lekumiami.com/.
HOTTEST NEW HOTELS
Hotel AKA Brickell: nestled in the heart of Brickell, is a stunning new luxury hotel that will welcome guests in 2023. The hotel boasts 160 fully furnished and serviced residences, each designed with a focus on unparalleled comfort and opulence. 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 of the city skyline. The hotel’s fitness centre is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and wellness programs, catering to guests who seek to maintain their fitness regime while travelling. The full-service restaurant and bar offers locally-inspired cuisine and signature cocktails, taking guests on a culinary journey through Miami’s diverse culture. For more information, visit https://www.stayaka.com/
Uma House By Yurbban: this brand new boutique hotel opens its doors this year, offering a unique blend of comfort and relaxation to its guests. The hotel boasts 99 impeccably designed guest rooms and suites, each adorned with plush bedding and elegant furnishings, making it an ideal oasis for travellers seeking tranquillity. The hotel’s rooftop pool and bar are the perfect places to unwind while soaking in the stunning views of the city skyline. The fitness centre is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and wellness programs, ensuring that guests can stay active and healthy while travelling. The full-service restaurant and bar features locally-inspired cuisine and signature cocktails, immersing guests in Miami’s vibrant culinary scene. For more information, visit https://www.umahousesouthbeach.com/
Acqualina Resort & Residences On The Beach: Oceanfront opulence awaits 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 and making it an even more luxurious and exclusive destination. Guests will have access to a stunning private beach, and can cool off in one of three sparkling oceanfront swimming pools. Relaxation seekers can indulge at the award-winning 20,000-square-foot ESPA spa, which offers a range of blissful treatments. For more information, visit https://www.acqualinaresort.com/
Kimpton Surfcomber Miami, South Beach: Steeped in Art Deco glamour, the iconic 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, this vibrant and lively hotel is known for its stylish design and playful atmosphere. The property features a bright and airy lobby, a lush outdoor courtyard with hammocks and games, and an on-site restaurant serving fresh coastal cuisine. For more information, visit https://www.surfcomber.com/
Fontainebleau Miami Beach: Fontainebleau Miami Beach has been an icon of luxury for decades, and in 2023 the legendary hotel is set to undergo 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 and modern 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. For more information, visit https://www.fontainebleau.com/
Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay: Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay is a stunning 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. The hotel is home to a full-service restaurant and bar, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and over 20,000 square feet of event space. For more information, visit https://www.marriott.com/
Mayfair House Hotel & Garden: Nestled in the charming neighbourhood of Coconut Grove, the historic Mayfair House Hotel & Garden is set to undergo a major renovation in 2023. The hotel’s 179 guest rooms and suites will be updated with a fresh and modern design, while still maintaining the property’s timeless elegance. 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. For more information, visit https://www.mayfairhousemiami.com/
The Pelican Hotel: situated in the heart of South Beach, is 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 that include a new rooftop terrace. The hotel’s 29 guest rooms and suites will be updated to offer modern amenities while maintaining their classic Art Deco style. The rooftop terrace will provide stunning views of South Beach and offer guests a peaceful place to relax and unwind. The full-service restaurant and bar will also be updated to provide guests with a unique dining experience. For more information, visit https://pelicanhotel.com/
NEW ATTRACTIONS
Poker Room by the Miccosukee Casino & Resort recently opened in March. The new, modern, sleek design features 20 live-action tables, daily promotions, tournaments, and thousands of guaranteed cash prizes. For more information, visit Miccosukee.com
Vivo! Entertainment Venue is set to open this summer in Dolphin Mall. The 62,000-square-foot entertainment district will offer entertainment and dining for all via outlets, including PBR Cowboy Bar, Sports & Social, Sergio’s Cuban American Kitchen, and more. For more information, vivodolphinmall.com
