As the health crisis and its dynamics change decisions at every moment, destination authorities work together with the private sector to set protocols and offer a safe atmosphere.
Tourism in Miami has been suffering the brunt of the health crisis in a particular way as it is one of the most structured destinations in the Americas. To find out in detail the current situation there, we have consulted Greater Miami and the Beaches who have provided us with other interesting data.
Before the Covid-19 erupted, tourism activity was moving in the right direction after the success of the Super Bowl. But in mid-March, many commitments were cut short and plans moved to spread a message about prevention and the need for confinement.
That’s why the original plan and goals for this year have been put on hold and are only broadcasting appropriate digital announcements and communications.
Faced with the reopening, the position they seek is to position Miami as a destination that offers a safe environment and where protocols are followed. To achieve this goal, the partners of Greater Miami and the Beaches have been working intensively and invested to make modifications to their hotels and restaurants.
Due to the dynamics of the pandemic, the measures and regulations change frequently and therefore they are in permanent contact to comply with the guidelines.
It is important to note that Greater Miami and the Beaches has generated initiatives that were launched to support tourism companies, this is Miami Shines. You can learn about the program in detail by visiting www.MiamiShines.com.
As highlighted in Greater Miami and the Beaches, the priority at this time is to promote the destination in the domestic market and then in the international market. They started with the closest markets since there are still many restrictions to travel to the United States.
Authorities from Greater Miami and the Beaches have stated that as they are adjusting plans and making decisions that are appropriate and responsible for the destination, as soon as the health situation allows it.
A very important detail is to have more certainties regarding connectivity. For this reason, they are working with airlines to reactivate flights and obtain new routes. American Airlines will soon launch a new program oriented to Latin America and they have just started to travel from the Caribbean to Miami again (Bahamas, Haiti and the Dominican Republic).
Miami in numbers
According to data collected by ARC, IATA, the issuance of air tickets has a complicated picture. The domestic market for July has marked -53.5% compared to the same month of 2019. While the forecast for August is -52.5%, -37.1 for September and a recovery for October with -27.2% would be seen.
While the international market provides more worrying year-on-year data with -75.3% for July, -69.8 for August, -58-5 for September and it would begin to recover in October with -53.1% for October.
Among the international issuing markets that have fallen the most, the Bahamas stand out with -93%, Colombia -75%, Argentina -71%, Peru -74, Mexico -72% and Brazil -66%.
Florida’s most affected destinations
According to data from Greater Miami and the Beaches, Miami Beach is the area most affected by the decrease in hotel reservations with -86.6% year-on-year for the week of July 11. While Surfside / Bal Harbor has marked -78.8% and Downtown -74.9.
Cheaper accommodations
According to data from Greater Miami and the Beaches, most destinations are offering a Room Rate that varies between -5.5% and -30.7% year-on-year depending on the area. The area with the most variation is Miami-Dade with -30.7%. While South Miami-Dade is managing to maintain prices marking a variation of only -5.5%.
No cruises
One of the main sources of tourism in Miami has been the arrival and departure of cruise ships. On July 16, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an order extending the suspension of traffic for cruise ships departing and arriving in the United States, the measure will remain in effect until October.