Located at the centre of North & South America, its port is recognized
as the "Cruise Capital of the World" and "Cargo Gateway of the Americas" and
its two international airports with 150 airlines serving up to 180 destinations
a day. Miami is the home of 120 banks, is positioned the 2nd financial city
in the US and as a result, many major corporations have relocated their headquarters
to Miami. Two other elements that attract businesses to Miami are lower taxes
rates in comparison to New York and California, and certain banks are known
to offer the same advantages as off-shore banking institutions.
With more than 60 millions tourists a year, Miami
boasts ideal weather conditions almost 365 days a year and is the primary destination
for over 3.5 millions cruisers embarking from Miami Seaport, which represents
more than 40% of the US cruise market. Duty free shops near the sea port and
airport inspire shoppers to shop till they drop.
The real estate boom in 1920, and the recent surge in 2005, has changed the
skyline of the city. There are more than 100 buildings in construction and new
neighbourhoods like Midtown Miami, Downtown Miami and Brickell have added several
malls and movies complexes drawing attention to those areas.
Tourism, technology, pharmaceuticals, fishing, forestry, sugar cane and agriculture
represent some of the wide range of industries headquartered in Miami today,
not to mention two thirds of the US citrus market