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GMBHA Blog
Federal Government Shutdown: Impact For Travel and Tourism
The federal government shut down at 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 1, 2025 after Congress failed to pass a Continuing Resolution (CR) or full-year appropriations. Negotiations have not yet produced a deal; votes in the Senate have failed to end the impasse, so the shutdown continues into this week. About 750,000 federal employees are furloughed or…
Read MoreFlorida Court Ruling on Open Carry of Firearms
We want to make you aware of an important legal change affecting individuals and businesses across Florida. The First District Court of Appeal has struck down the state’s prohibition on openly carrying firearms in public. Individuals who are legally permitted to carry a firearm may now do so either concealed or openly visible. This change…
Read MoreService Charge Disclosure Legislation
In 2025 the Florida legislature passed SB 606, which establishes increased transparency for food service establishments that charge an automatic gratuity or service charge. Summary Key Definitions Requirements Additional Information
Read MoreTransient Occupancy Legislation
In 2025 the Florida legislature passed SB 606, legislation that strengthens the rights of hotels and lodging operators when dealing with guests that are uncooperative or not paying their bills. Summary: Key Definitions: Requirements: Additional Information:
Read MoreJune 2025 Local Government Meetings
Miami-Dade County Commission City of Miami Beach Commission City of Miami Commission City of Miami Beach Commission City of Miami Commission
Read More2025 Legislative Session Update
The GMBHA government affairs team led by Armando Ibarra has been active throughout the legislative session, playing a key role in advocating for important issues impacting the hotel and tourism industry, and worked closely with legislative leaders to defend our industry’s interests. GMBHA President and CEO, Curtis Crider, traveled to Tallahassee during Dade Days to…
Read MoreMay 2025 Local Government Meetings
Miami-Dade County Commission City of Miami Beach Commission City of Miami Commission
Read MoreCurtis J. Crider named president & CEO of the Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association
MIAMI, May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association (GMBHA) has named Curtis J. Crider as its new president & CEO, effective May 2025. “Curtis’s extensive background in hospitality leadership and his thoughtful, strategic vision for the future of our industry made him the clear choice for this role,” said GMBHA Chairman and Greater Miami Convention &…
Read MoreGreater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau becomes first U.S. destination marketing organization to offer hotel certification incentives with Green Key Global
Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau becomes first U.S. destination marketing organization to offer hotel certification incentives with Green Key Global MIAMI – Nov. 19, 2024 – The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) has become the first destination marketing organization in the United States to provide incentives for the Green Key Global Eco-Rating…
Read MoreWendy Kallergis, Esteemed President and CEO of Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association Announces Retirement
MIAMI, Nov. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association (GMBHA) announced today that Wendy Kallergis, a prominent leader in the hospitality industry, will retire as President and CEO after nearly two decades of exceptional service. Her last day in the role will be December 31, 2024. The GMBHA is currently searching for a successor to Kallergis.…
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