'Miami Tourism Cares' Initiative Announced

MIAMI, Feb. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) is spearheading an effort to support the earthquake relief efforts in Haiti.  In cooperation with The American Red Cross, "Miami Tourism Cares" will provide immediate and long-term aid to Haiti.

The multi-phase program launched today, February 2, 2010, incorporates immediate efforts to secure cash donations as well as longer term aid initiatives, with the cooperation of Miami tourism partners, residents and visitors.

"GMCVB recognizes its responsibility in assisting the Haiti relief efforts," said Steven Haas, Board Chair of GMCVB. "Greater Miami is home to a large Haitian community that plays an integral role in our tourism industry, with thousands employed at hotels, resorts, attractions and restaurants. It is important we support our Haitian colleagues at this time of urgent and ongoing need as well as for the long-term recovery."

Phase I of the initiative is an immediate request for donations to the American Red Cross, through a dedicated account.  The GMCVB will match all employee donations to the American Red Cross dollar-per-dollar and is calling on tourism industry members to donate to the dedicated account at http://American.RedCross.org/GMCVB.

"In South Florida so many of our neighbors are from Haiti and many still have family on the island," said Sam Tidwell, CEO of the American Red Cross South Florida Region. "The best way for us to provide assistance is to make a monetary donation to the Red Cross."

The second phase of the relief effort  is in partnership with The Greater Miami and The Beaches Hotel Association (GMBHA) and will roll out in February 2010 with the launch of two special programs as part of "Miami Tourism Cares Month." Miami hotels will encourage their guests to "Add-On, Add-Up" by asking at check-in if the guests would like to make an optional donation in various  amounts – that would be added to their hotel bill. Hotels can also donate rooms to rescue workers, evacuated expatriates, and families of those receiving medical care in Miami through the "Be a Knight, Give a Night" program.

"We know the problems that Haitians face are not going to be solved overnight," said Wendy Kallergis, President of Greater Miami and The Beaches Hotel Association. "That's why our hotels in Greater Miami and The Beaches and tourism industry partners are dedicated to providing long-term support to the earthquake relief efforts and Miami's Haitian community."

Still in development, Phase III of "Miami Tourism Cares" will be a coordinated, long-term effort to allow Miami hotels to provide non-monetary, but much-needed, items throughout 2010 and beyond. Proposed programs include "Linens and Things," where accommodation providers can donate linens, pillows, mattresses and other soft goods as these items are changed out. GMCVB will also encourage tourists to pack a few extra articles of clothing to donate and drop off at collection points within participating hotels through the "Pack Heavy, Leave Light" plan.

The initiative's website, www.MiamiTourismCares.com, launched by GMCVB, is a central location for industry, locals and visitors to obtain information on fundraising efforts across Greater Miami and the Beaches.  The website details how to make donations, as well as lists participating tourism partners, fundraising events and concerts.

To find out more about "Miami Tourism Cares," visit www.MiamiTourismCares.com.  Miami tourism industry partners can make donations to the American Red Cross, online at http://American.RedCross.org/GMCVB; or by sending a check payable to:  American Red Cross, f/b/o GMCVB Haiti Relief Effort, 335 S.W. 27th Avenue, Miami, FL 33135.

About Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) is an independent not-for-profit sales and marketing organization whose mission is to attract visitors to Greater Miami and the Beaches for leisure, business and conventions. For a vacation guide, visit our website at www.MiamiAndBeaches.com or call 1-888-76-Miami (US/Canada only) or 305-447-7777. To reach the GMCVB offices dial 305-539-3000.  Meeting planners may call 1-800-933-8448 (US/Canada only) or 305-539-3071 or visit www.MiamiMeetings.com.

About Greater Miami and The Beaches Hotel Association

The Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association (GMBHA) is a membership-based organization comprised of hoteliers and allied members across Miami-Dade County. The goal is to unify the travel, tourism and hospitality industry with business and governmental leaders locally, nationally and internationally in order to enhance the visitor experience through education, advocacy and networking. The GMBHA serves as a central address and clearing house to better serve the industry's customers. More information at www.gmbha.org.

About the American Red Cross

For nearly a century, the American Red Cross South Florida Region, a non-profit humanitarian organization, has helped families and individuals prevent, prepare for, and respond to disasters. The American Red Cross South Florida Region offers health and safety programs, and international, disaster relief and armed forces emergency services to the residents of Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties. For more information, visit www.southfloridaredcross.org or www.tucruzroja.org.

SOURCE The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau