2007 A Record Year for Travel & Tourism in Greater Miami and the Beaches

MIAMI, Feb. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) President & CEO William D. Talbert, III, CDME announced that 2007 overnight visitors to Greater Miami and the Beaches grew 3.3 percent to a record 12 million visitors, fueled by 6.5 million domestic visitors and 5.5 million international visitors generating a record $17.3 billion economic impact throughout the community.

"The record number of visitors reflects that Greater Miami and the Beaches remains a top world-class destination," Talbert said. "At a time when travel throughout many parts of the country is down due to rising gas prices and the current economic climate, it's quite an accomplishment that Miami is growing to record levels.

"We're particularly proud that we've been very successful in boosting summer business through our marketing programs that include Festival Season and Miami Spice Restaurant Month," Talbert added. "Our 2007 summer ad campaign, which included television ads, was our most aggressive ever. The dramatic 11 percent increase in visitors during the summer months of July, August, and September 2007 indicates that our investment paid off and year round tourism is well-established."

"We're also excited about the fact that the Miami brand has never been stronger, which is why our hotel occupancy grew 1.1 percent to 72.0%, placing our destination at #7 among the top hotel markets in the nation for 2007," said Gene Prescott, President of the Biltmore and Alexander Hotels ~ Miami and GMCVB Board Chair.

The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) is an accredited not-for-profit sales and marketing organization whose mission is to attract visitors to Greater Miami and the Beaches for leisure, business and conventions. For a vacation guide visit our website at www.MiamiAndBeaches.com or call 1-888-76-Miami (US/Canada only) or 305-447-7777. To reach the GMCVB offices dial 305-539-3000. Meeting planners may call 1-800-933-8448 (US/Canada only) or 305-539-3071 or visit www.MiamiMeetings.com.

Contact: Media Relations: 305 539-3084

               Ginny Gutierrez:  305 539-3045

E-Mail: media@MiamiandBeaches.com