From Art Basel to Formula 1: Why Miami Is the Tourism Epicenter of the Moment
Miami is a cultural mosaic and, at the same time, a thriving MICE destination, as well as a hub for tourism, sports, and the arts. The city has earned titles that underscore its importance: world capital of cruising, thanks to its port; a flagship destination for Art Basel; and a consistent host of major congresses. Each year, it also stages the internationally recognized World Travel Expo Miami (WTE). During the event, Joe Docal, Director of Travel Industry Sales at the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, shared insights into the city’s most dynamic sectors.
Miami is home to the headquarters of three of the most influential cruise corporations: Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Regent. It is also a base for others like MSC Cruises, which recently opened its largest global terminal in the city, and Virgin Voyages.
“We have cruises operating year-round with a wide variety of options: three, four, five, seven days, and even longer itineraries during the winter season,” said Docal. The luxury segment is also growing, with lines such as Oceania, Regent, and Explora Journeys. Even the Queen Elizabeth of Cunard sails from Miami between September and March.
Art is another rising pillar of Miami’s global appeal. Its flagship event is Art Basel Miami Beach, held every December. While the fair also has editions in Basel, Hong Kong, and Paris, Docal emphasized that “Miami Beach is the largest and the most international of the four.”
During Art Week, more than 15 cultural events take place across the city, anchored by the Miami Beach Convention Center, attracting collectors, artists, and visitors from all over the world.
Miami’s reputation has also been elevated by its gastronomy. The city now boasts 16 Michelin-starred restaurants, including—until recently—the only two-star restaurant in Florida. “One of our most important programs is Miami Spice,” Docal explained.
Running from August 1 to September 30, the program offers fixed-price menus starting at $60 per person in nearly 400 restaurants, including Michelin-awarded venues. “Visitors can enjoy a Michelin-starred experience for a fraction of the usual cost,” noted Docal.
Another popular initiative is Miami Spa Months in July and August, when the city’s top spas offer treatments at reduced rates. “In August, you can spend the morning at the spa and dine at a Michelin restaurant at night,” Docal added.
Miami’s sports calendar also adds weight to its appeal. In 2026, the city will be one of 11 U.S. host cities for the FIFA World Cup, staging a quarter-final and the third-place match. Miami also hosts the Formula 1 Grand Prix, international tennis tournaments, martial arts events, and cultural spectacles throughout the year.
Miami’s multicultural identity is visible in its neighborhoods: Little Havana, Little Haiti, Wynwood with its strong Puerto Rican presence, and Coconut Grove with its Bahamian roots. This diversity led the Ibero-American Academy of Gastronomy to recognize Miami as the Ibero-American Capital of Gastronomic Culture.
On the conventions front, Miami is unmatched. Its International Airport is the only one in the U.S. with more than 100 airlines operating daily, both passenger and cargo. “We are the number three U.S. airport for international visitors, after New York and Los Angeles,” Docal highlighted.
It is under this premise that the World Travel Expo Miami was born. Now in its third edition, the event promotes international air traffic to and from Miami, with Spain among the most important European markets thanks to connectivity with Iberia, Air Europa, and American Airlines. Miami also has a strong presence at major global fairs such as IBTM in Barcelona and Travel Week in London.
There is no doubt Miami continues to consolidate its image as a city in permanent transformation. “There are so many things happening in Miami. That is our strength and what makes us a global tourism and cultural reference,” concluded Docal.
