RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – With the reopening of the borders, Miami hoteliers are anticipating a boom of Brazilians in the city, with an increase in research consultations, reservations, and contact from Brazilian travel agencies.
Before the pandemic, Brazil was the most significant tourist market in Miami. They were known by hoteliers for arriving at Miami International Airport with empty suitcases ready to be filled with shopping at Aventura Mall, Design District, Bal Harbour, and Sawgrass Mills.
Brazilian Portuguese could be heard in several parts of the city on the streets, restaurants, malls, and beaches.
After 20 months since the closing of the American borders with Brazil, Miami has felt the economic impact of the absence of Brazilian tourists more than any other destination in the United States.
With the reopening of the borders, Miami hoteliers are anticipating a boom of Brazilians in the city, with an increase in research queries, reservations, and contact from Brazilian travel agencies.
Preferred Hotels & Resorts, a luxury hotel chain in 80 countries with hotels in Miami such as The Palms Hotel & Spa, Trump International Beach Resort, and SLS Hotel Brickell, has also seen an increase in interest from its Brazilian clientele in the destination.
“We have seen an increase in requests for the United States, and Miami is without a doubt one of the most requested destinations,” said Simone Marriott, Vice President of Sales for Latin America at Preferred Hotels.
The increase in demand is accompanied by changes in guest preferences seeking more extended stays than before the pandemic. “Preferred has a wide offering of a variety of hotels perfect for families and couples, from beach hotels to iconic hotels like the Biltmore in Coral Gables, and we have received many requests for longer stays, and the 2 or 3 bedroom hotels with full kitchens,” he added.
Historically, beach destinations like South Beach and Bal Harbour have been, and continue to be, the center of leisure travel in Miami. The Miami market is significant to Marriott International’s luxury brand, The Ritz-Carlton, which operates two of the city’s premier luxury hotels, including The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, which recently underwent a $90 million renovation.
“The Brazilian market has always been significant to The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, and The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami,” said Cynthia Boyett, the director of marketing and sales for both properties.
“Over the years, we have welcomed Brazilian groups and families year after year and have created strong bonds with these guests. With the announcement of the reopening of the borders, we are happy to see our reservations from Brazil increase exponentially. We anticipate an unforgettable season for our Brazilian travelers and are very excited to welcome them back to Miami.
Although beach destinations are the mainstay of tourism in Miami, the city has rapidly developed more urban neighborhoods, such as Brickell, Design District, and Wynwood, attracting tourists.
Located in the heart of Brickell, Miami’s commercial district full of luxury apartments, the vast outdoor shopping center Brickell City Center and a variety of the best restaurants in Miami, EAST Miami has quickly established a reputation as a favorite among Brazilian guests visiting for business and leisure.
“The Brazilian market has always been critical to Miami’s success, both from a leisure and business perspective. Since the announcement of the reopening of the borders, we have seen a consistent increase in traffic to our website, inquiries from travel agencies in Brazil and our ‘historical’ clients,” said Giovanni Beretta, Vice President of Swire Hotels USA and General Manager of EAST Miami.
The EAST Miami has played an essential role in Brickell’s rapid growth and development, and the neighborhood has become a vital part of the city’s business center and dining scene. “Before the extreme restrictions were put in place, Brazilians made up a large percentage of our guests, and we look forward to welcoming them again,” he concluded.
With information from Exame