In a global economical downturn, South Beach looks the other way. Numerous hotels and resorts are continuing to be built or renovated. The hotel industry has always been a major factor of South Beach economical growth. Despite the uncertain worldwide economical situation, South beach is still the scene of some major investments.

For almost a decade now, South Beach has experienced a stretched high season period. It was traditionally from January to April but is now expanding as Miami Beach is not only seen as a sea, sun and party destination anymore. Visitors are more diversified and their reasons to visit Miami are broader. Even if Miami Beach keeps being a major gateway for New Yorkers, it also became one for international markets, especially for developing Southern Hemisphere and Europe.

Furthermore, artistic events are draining visitors on a year round basis. The successful Art Basel taking place in December is attracting international and sophisticated visitors, the Miami International Film Festival, Winter Music Conference and Ultra Music Festival both in March are boosting hotel occupancy rates, and some summer events are attracting visitors during the slow season. Last summer, South Beach hotels occupancy was at 70 percent!

The eventual emergence of the huge Miami World Resort casino-hotel complex does however frighten some SoBe hoteliers. It will redirect part of the clientele from the Beach to Downtown. Some specialists even announce the beginning of a fighting era between both districts.

Nevertheless, South Beach will certainly always stay attractive thanks to the iconic personality that built its success. Glamour, fashion, gorgeous beaches and the Art Deco architecture remain the ingredients of a unique SoBe “art de vivre”.

South Beach became a brand, an original place with its own codes .Visitors want to be part of it, at any cost.