Ms. Laura Bruney

Writing Miami’s Next Chapter: Cultural Tourism Takes Center Stage

Posted by Ms. Laura Bruney, May 21, 2015 0 comments


Ms. Laura Bruney

This piece by Laura Bruney of the Arts & Business Council of Miami was originally published on their blog, www.artsbizmiami.org/ArtsBizBlog.

On the 2nd of April, the Arts & Business Council of Miami (A&BC Miami) and the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) hosted the 11th Annual Breakfast with the Arts and Hospitality Industry. The event takes an innovative look into how hospitality companies can attract and engage with the arts for profitable partnerships that enhance Miami’s reputation as a growing destination for cultural tourism.

A&BC Miami creates connections between the corporate and cultural communities, and the annual breakfast is a signature program designed to provide an opportunity for hospitality and arts leaders to meet and talk about winning ideas for collaborations. This year’s sold-out program assembled a panel of speakers covering various arms of the local tourism industry who unanimously agree that cultural tourism is one of the strongest and most thriving elements driving visitors to choose Miami as a destination.

Robert Hill, GM of the InterContinental Miami, opened the program by welcoming participants. “Supporting the arts is not only the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do. Supporting the arts makes good business sense. Corporations that connect with the arts create goodwill, increase visibility, support the quality of life in our community as well as provide opportunities for their employees. The arts are an integral part of our local brand.”

“Cultural tourism is such a strong component of the travel market in Miami, but we need to develop more opportunities for members of the tourism industry and cultural events and programs to connect; it’s a win win for all,” said Wendy Kallergis, President and CEO at Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association.

Much of brand “Miami” features the arts and our innovative, world-class cultural community, accounting for bringing more than six million cultural tourists to our destination, and proving it’s an effective catalyst for strengthening the economy and making Miami-Dade more competitive nationally for business and tourism.

With more than a billion dollar impact and 30,000 jobs, the arts are a major factor in the economic vitality of Miami-Dade. The cultural component is not only a major draw for outside visitors but also vital in strengthening Miami’s reputation and long-term arts potential with the locals. Miami’s cultural offering is no longer limited to Art Basel, having evolved in recent years into a year-long citywide movement that is infiltrating every corner of the city. But there is more that can and should be done to make that metamorphosis steady and sustainable. The tourism industry understands how lucrative cultural tourism is for the city, but hotels and restaurants as well as corporate brands need to be creative and resourceful in making that connection with the arts.

Jonathan Plutzik, owner of the Betsy South Beach, who is passionate about the arts, literature, and philanthropy, said “Our cultural programs are authentic and thought provoking. We cater not only to our guests but to local arts aficionados. We offer thought provoking programs that inspire and motivate.”

Cultural travelers want to enrich their lives with new travel experiences, and are willing to spend more and stay longer in order to do so. With more than 1,000 local arts groups and more festivals than days of the year, the opportunities for synergy with the arts are limitless.

Partnering with the arts mean creativity, community connection, and impact - and when you do interesting events and create engaging opportunities, exciting things happen,” said Avra Jain, developer of The Vagabond Hotel.

Please login to post comments.