Miami – (April 15, 2025) – Miami Dade College (MDC) is joining with the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) to amplify the positive impact tourism makes throughout our community and career opportunities for aspiring hospitality management professionals.

Bridging the college’s far-reaching I AM MDC initiative and the GMCVB’s Brought to You by Tourism campaign, the partnership will look at alumni who embody hospitality career success stories and the impact the visitor industry has on them and their families, magnifying the messaging across a variety of digital channels.

“At Miami Dade College, we recognize the central role tourism plays throughout the region,” said MDC President Madeline Pumariega. “It’s the heartbeat of our thriving community, and we’re proud to contribute both in workforce development and advancing cultural assets that attract hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors each year.” MDC, one of the nation’s largest and most diverse institutions, hosts such renowned events as the Miami Book Fair and Miami Film Festival. “For our students, it’s an opportunity to learn how tourism drives Miami-Dade’s development and propels diverse industries. How can they share in the economic benefits?” she adds.

The partnership launches this spring with a $50,000 commitment from the GMCVB to Miami-Dade College’s I AM MDC initiative, supporting a range of student services, scholarships and future workforce development. Throughout 2025, the new campaign will highlight the economic benefits of tourism, MDC career success stories and educational pathways via social media, community events and partnerships with local businesses. MDC students will also gain real-world marketing experience by working on the campaign.

“We’re committed to helping usher in Miami-Dade County’s next generation of these leaders and anticipate that by partnering with MDC, we can elevate tourism’s profile not just among students and alumni but our entire community and demonstrate how their contributions make Greater Miami a world-class visitor destination,” said GMCVB President & CEO David Whitaker. “MDC has launched the careers of many tourism and hospitality professionals here including our very own GMCVB colleagues.”

“We’ve found an ideal partner in MDC to help motivate MDC alumni and current students to share their own tourism journeys by participating in the Brought to You by Tourism campaign and drive home the message that all Miami-Dade County residents enjoy quality-of-life benefits because of the strength of this industry,” said GMCVB Chief Operating Officer and MDC Hall of Fame alumnus Rolando Aedo.

The campaign underscores the many quality-of-life and economic benefits that a vibrant visitor industry affords residents. Tourism is Miami-Dade County’s leading economic engine, supporting 145,000 jobs and generating $1.5 billion in tax revenues annually, affording Miami-Dade households more than $2,200 in savings each year. For more information, see: www.BroughttoYoubyTourism.com.

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About the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB):
The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) is an accredited, independent not-for-profit sales and marketing organization whose mission is to attract visitors to Greater Miami and Miami Beach for leisure, business, meetings and conventions. For additional information, visit www.MiamiandMiamiBeach.com/About-GMCVB or call (305) 539-3000. Stay connected with the GMCVB by following us on our corporate communications and external affairs social media channels: Instagram and X.com (Twitter.com)/@GreaterMiamiCVB and LinkedIn.com/GreaterMiamiConvention&VisitorsBureau.

About Miami Dade College:

Miami Dade College (MDC) is the most diverse institution in the nation, with 167 nations and 63 languages represented in its student body. The college’s eight campuses and outreach centers offer over 300 distinct degree pathways, including associate and baccalaureate degrees, certifications and apprenticeships. MDC is the recipient of many top national awards, including the prestigious Aspen Prize, and has been ranked #4 among Top Public Institutions in the Southern Region by U.S. News & World Report. The College changes lives through accessible, high-quality teaching and learning experiences. It is home to the Miami Culinary Institute, the Miami Animation & Gaming International Complex, the Miami Fashion Institute, The Idea Center, the Cybersecurity Center of the Americas, two AI Centers, the Center for Learning, Innovation and Simulation at the Medical Campus, the Business Innovation & Technology Center, the School for Advanced Studies and New World School of the Arts, among others. MDC has been recognized among the nation’s “Great Colleges to Work For” since the program’s inception. The College serves as an economic, cultural and civic leader for the advancement of our diverse global community. MDC alumni and employees contribute more than $5 billion annually to the local economy, and graduates occupy top leadership positions in every major industry. MDC’s renowned rich cultural programming includes the Miami Book Fair, Miami Film Festival, the National Historic Landmark Miami Freedom Tower, Koubek Center Mansion and Gardens, Live Arts Miami at MDC, the Lynn and Louis Wolfson II Florida Moving Image Archives, and the Museum of Art and Design. MDC has admitted more than 2.5 million students and counting, since it opened its doors in 1960. Approximately 125,000 students are currently enrolled. For more information, visit www.mdc.edu.

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Media Contacts:

GMCVB
Richard Gibbs
Director of Corporate Communications & External Affairs
RGibbs@GMCVB.com
305.539.3045

Miami Dade College
Sue Arrowsmith
Director of Media Relations
sarrowsm@mdc.edu
305.237.3710

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Miami Dade College and Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau Launch Partnership Focused on Showcasing Tourism’s Community and Economic Benefits

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