By Michael Baginski/ The salsa dancing inside contrasted with the foot of snow and bitter temperature outside the Lula Lounge in Toronto last week as a small delegation representing Miami tourism reacquainted with close to 80 members of the Canadian travel trade who brave the weather for a colourful evening.
But that was precisely the point. Miami is hot (the basketball team is called The Heat for heaven’s sake), and Canada, at least in winter, is not.
Of course, there’s more to the South Florida city, as the audience well knew, from world-class dining, to sporting events (F1 in May, seven FIFA World Cup games this summer – and Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi, to name but a few), plus endless entertainment and culture, such as the renowned the South Beach Wine and Food Festival (Feb. 19-26) and Art Basel (Dec. 4-6).
And while the familiar faces of Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB)’s Suzie Sponder and Debra Lee enthusiastically updated the audience on some of the city’s latest news (see the listing further down), Sponder admitted, “We know it’s difficult times, but we have a strong relationship with Canadians for many reasons – and this is above and beyond the relationship Canadians have with the U.S. Miami has been welcoming Canadian visitors as long as it has existed.
“In the winter most Canadians will find a way to get to the sun,” she observed to Travel Industry Today. “And when you go to Miami there’s a deep mix of cultures there that I think makes it feel like an international destination within the domestic borders (of the U.S.). But the cultures that make up Miami, whether it’s the Caribbean or the Latin population (it’s about 70% of the population), the big northeast population of snowbirds that has relocated – I think it’s an interesting mix.
“And you have modern day Miami: art and culture, culinary scene, sporting events; we have signature events throughout the year that are extraordinarily successful. It’s the cruise ship capital of the world and people are going to go on cruises.
“We can’t convince people who don’t want to go to the U.S. right now, (so) we’re just here to say, we’re welcoming, we’re ready for you when you’re ready to come to us. It’s a really important market for us: we love our Canadian visitors, we love Canadian travel agents. We just have a long-standing relationship with the Canadian market, and it would be foolish and insincere of us to not continue to promote the destination. We’re not pushing anything on anybody, but we’re not slowing down.”
That said, Sponder said plenty of Canadians are still making their way to Miami, close to 325,000 in 2024. And while more recent figures aren’t yet available, Sponder notes that airlines from Canada still offer 60-plus direct flights per week (plus as many into neighbouring Fort Lauderdale), including from new gateways like Ottawa (with Porter).
“We’re not seeing that dramatic decline in lift, and that’s a key indicator,” she said, “There’s a decline, there’s a negative narrative out there – all of these things exist, but we still feel like we have a product that (pause), gets a pass in a way.
“We’re still the U.S. and so we can’t change minds if you have a strict policy you’re not going to the U.S., but if you are, we think we have the best solution: great sunshine, great culinary (including 60 Michelin-recognized restaurants) and cultural influences that really influence our art scene and food scene. And that makes a difference – it really does. In Miami, it’s really reflective of those cultures.”
Here’s a sampling of what’s new:
Hotel news
- This winter, the iconic oceanfront Loews Miami Beach Hotel unveiled a $55 million redesign, introducing 790 transformed guest rooms and suites alongside two new culinary concepts, Bistro Collins and The Sushi Bar.
- In Miami Beach’s South of Fifth neighbourhood, Balfour Miami Beach joined The Registry Collection, ushering the 82-room art deco landmark into a new chapter while preserving its historic character. Built in 1940, the hotel blends vintage design with modern comforts, offering an upscale retreat just steps from the beach.
- In Aventura, JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa debuted Turnberry Isle Racquet Club, introducing three pickleball courts and two padel courts, along with lessons, tournaments and an on-site Racquet Shoppe, adding new ways for guests and members to stay active within the resort’s 300-acre setting.
- Looking ahead, Delano Miami Beach will officially reopen on March 9, marking the return of one of South Beach’s most iconic hospitality landmarks (The Beatles stayed there in the ‘60s). The reimagined property will feature 171 redesigned guest rooms, four dining and bar concepts (including the revival of the legendary Rose Bar), a wellness studio and an exclusive members club.
New attractions & experiences
- Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden celebrated the 15th anniversary of Splendor in the Garden in January, marking the milestone with its signature afternoon of fashion and philanthropy. Proceeds from the event continue to support the garden’s science and education programs.
- Miami Beach’s yearlong design celebration continues with “100 Years of Art Deco: A World Celebration in Miami Beach,” an open-air exhibition at Galeria Ocean Drive on view through January 31. Featuring more than 100 images from around the world, the installation traces the global evolution of art deco while spotlighting Miami Beach’s signature tropical style.
- In the Everglades, Everglades Alligator Farm will welcome two baby capybaras, Biscuits and Bagel, in 2026. Building on the popularity of its Capybara Encounter, launched in late 2025, the new arrivals will join resident capybaras Waffles, Pancake, and Mrs. Butterworth. The attraction also recently completed a full remodel of its on-site gift shop, enhancing guest flow and expanding its selection of Florida- and Everglades-inspired merchandise.
- Midline Miami opened earlier this month at Arlo Wynwood, adding a major indoor live-music venue to the destination’s cultural landscape and expanding its year-round live performance offerings. The two-storey, 930-sq.-m. can accommodate up to 1,200 guests, with programming spanning genres from electronic to rock, R&B and more.
Upcoming Events
- Discover Boating International Boat Show at Miami Beach Convention Center| Feb. 11-15
- Miami Concours 2026 at Miami Design District – Feb. 13-15
- Coconut Grove Arts Festival along McFarlane Road and South Bayshore Drive – Feb. 14-16
- South Beach Wine & Food Festival at various locations –| Feb. 19-22
- Strawberry Festival at The Berry Farms – Through Feb. 22
- Luminosa: A Journey Through Light at Jungle Island – Through March 7
- Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium – March 15-29
New restaurants & culinary milestones
With Miami Spice Restaurant Months ahead (Aug. 1-Sept. 30), Miami’s culinary momentum continues with new openings and notable milestones throughout the season.
- On Jan. 17, Downtown Miami welcomed Kitchen + Kocktails, a Black-owned restaurant founded by hospitality entrepreneur Kevin Kelley. The Miami location marks the brand’s continued expansion into major markets, adding to the city’s growing roster of chef-driven concepts rooted in culture, community and bold flavour.
- January also marked a major milestone for Ariete, the Michelin-starred Coconut Grove restaurant founded by chef-owner Michael Beltran, as it celebrated 10 years of redefining Cuban-American fine dining in Miami.
- Throughout the season, dining and pop culture intersect as RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 features Athena Dion and Juicy Love Dion, longtime headliners at R House Wynwood, alongside South Florida queen Mia Starr. Their presence highlights R House’s nationally celebrated drag brunches, where shareable plates, flowing cocktails and high-energy performances have turned the venue into a launchpad for drag talent with national reach.
- Nearby, THRōW Social Miami has transformed the former Oasis Wynwood space into a indoor-outdoor playground, combining flavour-forward, approachable cuisine and mixologist-led cocktails with interactive oversized games, VIP cabanas, and live DJs and entertainment. The venue offers shareable handhelds, tropical-inspired flatbreads, and a weekend brunch featuring bottomless mimosas and Bellinis.
- In Coconut Grove, Da Angelino Cucina Italiana expands with Al Bàcaro, a 30-seat Venetian-inspired tavern tucked just behind the CocoWalk restaurant. Inspired by Venice’s bàcari, the open-air spot serves focacce ripiene, cicchetti, salumi, and Italian wines by the glass or traditional gottino, creating a relaxed alfresco setting for casual sipping and sharing.
- At Fontainebleau Miami Beach, Prime 54 introduces the Chef Counter, an intimate six-seat dining experience set within the restaurant’s lively open kitchen. Offered Fridays and Saturdays at 6 p.m., the experience features a specially curated multi-course menu prepared and presented live by the culinary team, with reservations available via OpenTable.
- Hakkasan debuts an Exclusive Wine Tasting Experience showcasing Fontainebleau’s award-winning wine program. Available Fridays and Saturdays at 3, 4 and 5 p.m., the sommelier-led tasting features a curated flight selected from a collection of more than 1,000 sought-after wines, paired with Michelin-recognized cuisine for a refined, sensory-driven culinary experience.
- Rounding out the season in March, Kung Fu Chicken brings its Asian-inspired flavours to Miami Beach, adding to its existing locations in Little Havana and Westchester. Created by Chef Yu Bi and the team behind 107 Taste and Cajun Boil, the fast-casual concept highlights lightly crisped, marinated chicken influenced by Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese cuisines.
New in Cruising
PortMiami marked a major milestone in January with the groundbreaking of the future Cruise Terminal G, a $345-million investment developed in partnership with Royal Caribbean Group. Designed to achieve LEED certification and accommodate up to 7,000 passengers, the state-of-the-art terminal will support next-generation cruise ships, including Icon-class vessels, while enhancing efficiency, sustainability and the overall guest experience. Scheduled for completion in late 2027, the new terminal reinforces Miami’s position as the ‘Cruise Capital of the World.’
- Additionally, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has opened bookings for Norwegian Aura, the largest and most innovative ship in its fleet, set to debut in May 2027. Homeporting in Miami beginning June 2027, the next-generation vessel will sail seven-day Caribbean itineraries and introduce Ocean Heights, NCL’s first open-air activities complex, alongside enhanced experiences at the brand’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay.
Transportation & Getting Around
Exploring Greater Miami and Miami Beach is easier than ever with Freebee, the free, app-based electric ride service operating across neighborhoods, including Miami Beach, Wynwood, Brickell and Coral Gables. Offering zero-emission rides and friendly local drivers who double as neighborhood ambassadors, Freebee provides visitors with a convenient, community-centric way to navigate the destination.
- Complementing Freebee’s neighbourhood connectivity, Miami Beach has introduced a free weekday water taxi service, Water Taxi Miami, linking Sunset Harbour with downtown Miami. The launch enhances mobility for visitors and event attendees navigating between Miami Beach and the mainland, offering a scenic and efficient transit option.
To stay up to date on openings, announcements and timely news throughout the destination, visit MiamiandMiamiBeach.com and follow @VisitMiami on social media.
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