Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority named the World's Leading Tourist Board by the World Travel Awards

MIAMI BEACH, Fla., Dec. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA) has been named the World's Leading City Tourist Board 2016 by the prestigious World Travel Awards! Competing against other top destinations, Miami Beach was chosen by over 1 million industry voters in competition against Auckland Tourism, Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau, Cape Town Tourism, Rio Convention & Visitors Bureau, Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administrative Commission, and Visit London.

This honor of World's Leading Tourist Board, is a testament to the global appeal of Miami Beach and recognition and respect for the destination on the world stage. Accepting the award on behalf of the MBVCA at the World Travel Awards Gala Ceremony, Peggy Benua, Chair of the MBVCA, says, "This award, is a symbol of Miami Beach's worldwide presence and certainly demand for our brand. We're honored to have been considered, but to actually win this impressive and prominent award is an incredible endorsement of all the MBVCA is doing to share Miami Beach with the world."

Just two months ago, the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority was named North America's Leading Tourist Board, facing competitors including the Arizona Office of Tourism, Destination DC, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, NYC & Company, Visit California, Visit Orlando and VisitFlorida.

"Miami Beach has always been perceived as an iconic destination around the world," says Elsie Howard, former MBVCA board chair (2000-2004 and 2006-2011). "The MBVCA's award for World's Leading City Tourist Board 2016 signifies the depth and breadth or our reach, it recognizes our hard work and our tireless commitment to making Miami Beach an iconic destination forever."

The World Travel Award wins cap off a year of accolades for Miami Beach. The city also won first place in the 2016 edition of the Travvy Awards, presented by travAlliancemedia in the category of "Best Wedding Destination, U.S. & Canada" and a silver medal winner in the 2016 Magellan Awards by Travel Weekly in the category of "Overall Beach Destinations | U.S and Canada."

"To cap off a year of awards for the MBVCA and Miami Beach with the World's Leading City Tourist Board 2016 win is phenomenal," says Grisette Roque, Executive Director, MBVCA. "Miami Beach is already a dazzling destination but the board works incredibly hard to make sure all facets of the city are enjoyed by residents and visitors and this award is a culmination of that work."

"To be voted as the World's Leading City Tourist Board 2016 by the World Travel Awards in competition against cities like Cape Town, Rio de Janeiro, Shanghai and London, is the epitome of achievement," notes Jeff Lehman, current board member. "Miami Beach is truly like no other place in the world and our peers and colleagues have recognized our unique city for all it has to offer."

In addition, the Miami Beach API and app has launched allowing even more people across the U.S. and internationally to learn more about the city and all it has to offer. Travelers can access it here.

About Miami Beach

Recently named 2016 North America's Leading Tourist Board by the World Travel Awards and first place in the 2016 edition of the Travvy Awards, presented by travAlliancemedia in the category of "Best Wedding Destination, U.S. & Canada" and a winner in the 2014 and 2015 Magellan Awards by Travel Weekly in the categories of "Destinations | Mobile App" and "Overall Spa Destinations| U.S and Canada" respectively, Miami Beach is a favorite destination among travelers worldwide. Renowned for its unparalleled culinary offerings, extravagant nightlife, rich culture, luxe shopping and plush hotels, Miami Beach is home to unique museums, the New World Symphony, Miami City Ballet, Miami Beach Convention Center, international festivals and art exhibitions, boat and auto shows, over 187 boutique and resort hotels and 12 public parks; it is no wonder the beautifully diverse city is one of the world's most popular vacation destinations. Boasting seven miles of breathtaking beaches, Miami Beach is easily accessible from the Port of Miami and Miami International Airport. The City of Miami Beach has been named one of the top cities worldwide for 'walkability' and is equally easy to navigate by bike or boat.   Known for its year-round sunny skies, the vibrant destination not only produces its own branded sun care line, MB Miami Beach Suncare, but has been ranked by TripAdvisor as number one in 2011's Top Winter Sun Vacation Rental Getaway Destinations and was also part of Top 25 Beaches in the World and Top 25 Destinations in the U.S. Miami Beach is like no other place in the world!

Contact Grisette Roque at [email protected]

About the World Travel Awards

World Travel Awards™ was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel tourism & hospitality industry. Today, the World Travel Awards™ brand is recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire. The World Travel Awards™ exists to recognise, acknowledge and celebrate excellence in travel tourism and hospitality, which is why your company was chosen by fellow professionals across the globe for a World Travel Award™.

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SOURCE Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority