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January 8, 2026

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WHAT'S HAPPENING IN TRAVEL & TOURISM

Pictures of staircases: Vizcaya Museum, Doral Cultural Arts, JW Marriott Turnberry Resort - Aventura

President's Message

Hello everyone:

As we “kick off” the new year, Greater Miami and Miami Beach continues to demonstrate why our destination remains one of the most dynamic destinations in the world.

Few events better showcase our destination and help fuel our economy like the Capital One Orange Bowl last week and College Football National Championship game on Jan. 19 at Hard Rock Stadium. These marquee games deliver far more than thrilling competition – they generate significant economic returns, national exposure and lasting community benefits. Last year’s Orange Bowl Festival alone produced more than $286 million in economic impact, supported over 1,200 jobs and drew visitors from across the country, reinforcing the power of sports tourism to elevate our destination (a big topic to celebrate year-round throughout 2026).

And speaking of “kicking off,” as you read this, (hopefully with our other college allegiances parked for one night) our University of Miami Hurricanes are set to play tonight in the Cotton Bowl with the winner advancing to play in Hard Rock Stadium in the championship game. So GO CANES! As for the actual Championship Weekend and game, the Miami Beach Convention Center will be ground zero as we host the Playoff Fan Central with ... 

Read More from David Whitaker – Kicking off a season of impact

Headline News

MBCC caps milestone year

The Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) closed out a strong 2025, welcoming more than 537,000 attendees across 143 regional, national and international events and supporting 12,000-plus exhibitors. Working alongside ...

Orange Bowl delivers wins across Miami-Dade

The Capital One Orange Bowl continues to deliver wins on and off the field, according to a recent report in Miami Today. As the Orange Bowl Committee built a new Orange Bowl Field at a local Boys & Girls Clubs of ...

Read More – SFBJ Power Leaders in Hospitality

More from the GMCVB

Meeting with state legislators

GMCVB leadership is in Tallahassee, Jan. 21, joining industry colleagues from across the state for Florida Tourism Day. Meeting with legislators and policymakers, the team will be underscoring the industry's economic and ...

Pan-European press tour spotlights wellness

This week, the GMCVB hosts the Pan-European Mindful Miami: A Journey in Nature, Wellness & Sustainability press tour, highlighting a more conscious side of the destination rooted in nature, wellness and community-led initiatives ...

 

Read More – Connecting with luxury travel advisors

Stakeholder Notes

Kaseya Center ranks among top music venues

Miami’s live music momentum continues as the Kaseya Center earns a major national distinction – according to Billboard, the downtown venue ranks No. 1 in Florida, No. 13 in the U.S. and No. 18 worldwide for highest-grossing ...

MIA among top U.S. airports for business travelers

Booking.com for Business has named Miami International Airport (MIA) its third-best U.S. airport for business travelers after analyzing the world's 50 busiest airports based on key factors that matter most to corporate travel. Most notably ...

Read More – Free water taxis launch soon

Community Happenings

College football championship returns to Greater Miami

Greater Miami and Miami Beach host the 2026 College Football National Championship, Jan. 19, at Hard Rock Stadium, marking the region’s 22nd national title game and capping a landmark month for college football ...

Art Deco Weekend returns to Ocean Drive

Art Deco Weekend returns for its 49th edition, transforming Ocean Drive into a celebration of design, culture and community, Jan. 9-11. This year’s theme, Celebrating Air, Land & Sea, explores how ...

Read More – 5000 Role Models honor mentorship

Sustainability Highlights

Two gentlemen having lunch in Miami Beach. One is sitting in a wheelchair.

Music and inclusion take center stage

Music and inclusion take center stage as the South Beach Jazz Festival returns, Jan. 8-11, celebrating its 10th anniversary with the theme “From Disability to Serendipity.” The festival spotlights Grammy-winning and emerging ...

Hilton Bentley sets accessibility benchmark

Hilton Bentley Miami/South Beach has become the first GMCVB hotel partner to earn Wheel the World’s Accessibility Verified Accreditation. The milestone reflects ...

Read More – Miami Beach fleet earns honors

Find Mia

   Mia’s year exploring Greater Miami – and a grand prize reveal

From shorelines and historic neighborhoods to cultural hubs and must-see attractions, Mia the Flamingo spent 2025 exploring Greater Miami and Miami Beach. Thousands of readers followed along, solving clues that invited them to also discover hidden gems and see the destination through fresh eyes.

And now, it’s time for the big reveal. Our grand prize winner, randomly selected from all correct entries is Landon Biscombe, the winner of two Miami Spice passes, who is sure to enjoy flavorful dining experiences across the destination.

Thank you to everyone who played along, explored with us and kept an eye out for Mia. Below are just a few of her landing spots the past year (and for those wondering, she was at the Pérez Art Museum and Frost Science last issue). For those who’ve asked Mia to visit – reach out to us at WH@GMCVB.com with your ideas.

 And stay tuned — Mia will be back next issue with more adventures.

Images of an inflatable flamingo (Mia) in several locations across Miami-Dade County
Images of an inflatable flamingo (Mia) in several locations across Miami-Dade County
President's Message|Headline News|More from the GMCVB|Stakeholder Notes |Community Happenings|Sustainability Highlights
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