by Paul Heney
Last updated: 12:15 AM ET, Thu March 7, 2019
Steve Adkins is the Chairman of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority, as well as the President of the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. We asked him about his city and how it's standing up as one of the places to be for LGBTQ tourists.
TP: Miami Beach has been a top LGBTQ destination for years. For travelers who have been there in the past, what's new and different in the area?
SA: The LGBTQ market is as diverse as any demographic. The City of Miami Beach is always changing and is one of the world's most welcoming places for the LGBTQ traveler.
In addition to the amazing events taking place throughout the year, Miami Beach is a culture and food lovers' town. The sheer number of world-class establishments would happily challenge any vacation schedule. To shed those extra calories, you can explore the wide variety of arts and cultural installations and activities throughout the city.
From the New World Symphony and the Miami City Ballet to the Bass and Wolfsonian museums, there is something for every palate.
TP: Some people view Miami Beach as a gay man's paradise. What does the area offer for other members of the queer community that make it a bucket list destination?
SA: Miami Beach has something for every letter of the gay alphabet-LGBT&Q. As a city that has a long history of welcoming the gay traveler, everyone feels comfortable here. Our community is reflected not only in the large gay population that lives on the beach but also in its business employment. The beaches, the clubs and our many gay-centric hotel properties invite us in and go the extra mile to ensure all feel welcome.
And, this summer, Miami Beach will be home to the first AXEL property located in the USA. Marketed as a hetero-friendly hotel chain, AXEL has a reputation of creating a great partnership with the gay community via events and parties.
TP: There have been a lot of cities that have lost their "gayborhoods" as the entire population becomes more inclusive. Is this the case in Miami Beach, or are areas that are still important go-to locations?
SA: The LGBT population of Miami Beach lives across the entire 8 mile stretch of barrier island so you see us everywhere.
However, the "Gayborhood" is definitely between 10th and 15th Streets from Ocean Drive to Washington Ave. In this area, there are several destination bars (Twist, Palace, Score and Waterloo), the LGBT Visitor Center, and many LGBT owned businesses. However, you will find many other establishments marketing to the community all over Miami Beach.
TP: How important is the LGBTQ market to your city and region, in terms of tourism? How are you actively marketing to these travelers, and through what kinds of media?
SA: The LGBT tourism market is incredibly important to Miami Beach. Over 1.2 million LGBT travelers visit our destination each year investing over $1.7 billion in our economy (GMCVB & MDGLCC).
Many organizations are responsible for reaching out to the LGBTQ traveler but, the Miami Beach Visitor & Convention Authority, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce have budgets specifically allocated to LGBTQ marketing. From social media outlets to traditional print advertising, we have the market covered.
TP: What are the primary online portals you'd recommend for travelers planning a trip to Miami Beach?
SA: There are several good resources for the LGBTQ traveler including:
-gogaymiami.com;
-miami.gaycities.com;
-travelgay.com/destination/gay-usa/gay-florida/gay-miami;
-miamiandbeaches.com/plan-your-trip/miami-experiences/gay-miami;
-gaytravel.com/gay-guides/miami;
-timeout.com/miami/guide-to-gay-miami and;
-queerintheworld.com/gay-miami-florida-travel-guide.
TP: Can you talk about any local festivals or events in 2019 or 2020 that queer travelers would be particularly interested in?
SA: We have several annual events that continue to grow and attract an ever-changing LGBTQ traveler. Gay8/4Ward Miami (February), SOBE Wine & Food (February), Winter Party (March), WinterMusic Conference/ULTRA (March), Miami Beach Pride (April), Outshine Film Festival (April/May), Aqua Girl (May) and White Party (November) are all reasons.
TP: What are some of the main attractions in the city and surrounding region that you would recommend to queer travelers?
SA: What many people don't realize about our region is the amazing eco-tourism offerings we have. The Everglades alone is one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet and it's in our own backyard. We have an amazing farm-to-table culture due to our sizable crop acreage in South Florida.
Our beaches remain one of the biggest attractions for visiting the area. But, our enormous diversity in the cultures which call Miami Beach home is what we are most proud of. More than 110 languages are spoken, which translates into amazing food and cultural offerings depending on the neighborhood you might just happen upon.
TP: Can you talk a little about the food scene in and around Miami Beach, and what's trending now?
SA: As mentioned above, most of the top chefs from around the world have opened restaurants on Miami Beach. We have Top Chef winners with their own successful establishments in every area of Miami Beach, from standalone establishments to hotel restaurants and bars. And the cocktail culture has its own international following anchored by perennial winner Broken Shaker located in the Freehand Hotel.
TP: If a queer traveler had a mere 24 hours in Miami Beach, what itinerary would you plan for them?
SA: Rise with the sun and take a walk along the beach. If the mood calls, join one of the free yoga groups you will see during your walk. Head to breakfast at one of the many outdoor cafés along Ocean Drive to take in the views (including people watching). I love Front Porch or News Café for its casual yet delicious food and location. But, if it's brunch, go to LT at the Betsy Hotel.
Afterward, grab a CitiBike and take a ride all the way around South Beach and head to SouthPointe park and selfies in front of our iconic lifeguard stands. Go for a spa treatment at destination spas like Bamford Haybarn Spa at 1 Hotel South Beach or try a crystal spa treatment at The Confidante. The Bass Museum is always on my list and there are a number of rotating exhibits on the calendar for 2019 and finally, I would head to dinner at Cecconi's at Soho House for an al fresco dinner.
If you still have energy, go for a nightcap at Bar Gaythering.
TP: Is there anything else I've missed that a queer traveler should know about Miami Beach?
SA: Miami Beach is always evolving. We have revitalization projects in the works for Alton Rd., Washington Ave. and Ocean Drive. So, next time you visit, there will be another round of new places to visit, stay or dine.
And, the city never sleeps. We have great nightlife to handle any mood you might be in.
We are a pedestrian and bike-friendly city. Our streets have bike dedicated lanes and, we have a free trolley system that will take you from the south tip of Miami Beach to the northernmost border. And, when the rest of the country is bundled up, we are lying on the beach getting a tan. Come on down and pay us a visit.
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