Miami Tourism Cares

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 on 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. Click here for the full article.

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