Miami Beach is North America’s leading destination—but we knew that

Huge congratulations are in order for Miami Beach: The glittering waterfront city was just named the Leading Destination in North America by the World Travel Awards—known by many as the Oscars of the tourism industry.

It’s a great honor and much deserved considering the millions of tourists that descend upon Miami Beach every year to experience its “dazzling array of Art Deco delights, sweeping beaches and sizzling entertainment,” read a press release from the organization. The awards, voted on by professionals in the travel sector, were handed out virtually during a ceremony held last Sunday evening.

Other area winners included the Setai, Miami Beach, voted as the Leading Beach Hotel; Fontainebleau Miami Beach, voted Leading Hotel in Florida; and the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority, which won for Leading Tourism Board in 2020.

Miami Beach beat longstanding winner Las Vegas, which held the title for nearly a decade, as well as past winners New York City and Orlando, for top prize. It’s a sign of the times when social distancing on the sand beats out galavanting through Walt Disney World or a pleasure-seeking Las Vegas—and we’re here or it.

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