Greater Miami and Miami Beach closed out 2025 with record numbers: 28.3 million total visitors and US$32.2 billion in economic impact, according to the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau’s (GMCVB) newly released 2025 Industry Review. 

Visitor spending reached US$22.7 billion, a 4.1% over 2024, while tourism supported more than 216,000 jobs, representing 10% of all employment in Miami-Dade County, and generated over $12 billion in wages.

GMCVB Board Chair Julissa Kepner shared, “As visitation continues to rise, so does the economic benefit it delivers across Miami-Dade County. Tourism is far more than an industry here – it is a core driver of our global reputation, economic strength and quality of life for residents. Our success is built on momentum, creativity and a bold international viewpoint. Continued progress will require sustained investment in marketing, the ability to attract and host major conventions and events, a commitment to sustainability and the celebration of our extraordinary cultural diversity.”

In 2025 the Caribbean held its place as one of the steadiest international feeder markets for Greater Miami and Miami Beach. The region delivered 1,054,000 overnight visitors in 2025, topping one million for the fourth consecutive year on record, though just slightly down from a 2024 high of 1,118,000. The dip does mirror a wider pattern seen across other top markets for the destination, with South America and Canada also reflecting a slight decline for 2025, even as domestic US and Florida-resident visitation pushed the destination to new highs.

For Caribbean travellers and all international visitors to Greater Miami and Miami Beach, leisure remains the driving motivation. Vacation/pleasure was cited by 75% of international overnight visitors in 2025, with 21% visiting relatives, 19% shopping, and 8% citing cruising, reflecting Miami’s reputation as the Cruise Capital of the World. Once here, shopping at a mall or district (47%) and visiting entertainment venues, attractions or parks (33%) topped the list of visitor experiences.

Hotels remain the accommodation of choice. 58% of international overnight visitors stayed in a hotel, motel, resort or spa in 2025, the second consecutive year of growth in paid lodging over staying with friends or family (14%) or home-sharing rentals (28%). 

Getting to Miami is overwhelmingly by air. 64% of international visitors flew into Miami International Airport and a growing 24% flew into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International.

International visitors overall remain high-value spenders, averaging more than $1,150 per person, per trip, supporting strong performance in lodging, dining and retail across the destination.

“As we look to the future, tourism will continue to be a driving force behind opportunity and quality of life across Miami-Dade County,” noted GMCVB President and CEO David Whitaker. “The success of our visitor economy creates jobs, bolsters local businesses, generates critical tax revenues and helps fund the infrastructure, cultural institutions and community experiences that residents rely on every day. By continuing to invest boldly in Greater Miami and Miami Beach as a global destination, we generate benefits that support everything from arts and culture organisations to transportation and public health systems that strengthen our neighbourhoods, support working families and enhance the lives of county residents for the generations that follow.”