The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) and Big Bus Miami today announced a new tour route that will take passengers on a trip through the historic neighborhoods of Overtown, Midtown, Design District, Downtown Miami, and Wynwood.
"We have worked very hard to make this happen in other neighborhoods. If it can happen in Little Havana, it will be happening here in Overtown," said Carole Ann Taylor, GMCVB board member. "You’re going to be surprised as you watch the businesses grow and grow."
The new route, which took more than a year to organize, was launched in front of the Lyric Theater in Overtown and was followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Several community leaders were in the audience, including U.S. Representatives Frederica Wilson and IleanaRos-Lehtinen, City of Miami Commissioner KeonHardemon, and historian Dorothy Fields.
"You can imagine how proud I feel today to be standing right here at the footsteps where my forefathers stood. And you can imagine how wonderful Ms. Fields must feel that Big Bus Miami will be bringing tourists to see the history of this wonderful, wonderful area," said Congresswoman Frederica Wilson.
Although there have been previous tour routes throughout the areas, this will be the first route that will allow passengers to hop on and off the bus, according to Ginny Gutierrez, community relations director for GMCVB.
The route is expected to boost the economy of the participating destinations as passengers get off the bus and explore the small businesses, restaurants, and hotels.
"The next stop is Little Haiti," said Taylor.
