Rates at Miami hotels drop 21%

Miami is among the top 10 markets in the country where hotel rates have dropped the most in the last year, according to a new report from Hotwire.com.

The San Francisco-based discount travel Web site places Miami at No. 5 on the list, with prices down 21 percent in the last year.

Topping the list were New York and Vancouver, British Columbia, which tied with a 26 percent drop.

“The travel downturn is really hitting everyone now, not just the big tourist destinations,” Hotwire Group President Clem Bason said in a news release.

The news comes as tourism industry leaders gather in Miami Beach for the 42nd Annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism.

Tourism provides 21 percent of the state’s total taxable sales. In 2008, tourism returned $3.9 billion to Florida in tax revenue and generated 65.2 billion in direct economic impact, according to statistics provided by the governor’s office.

During the opening of the conference on Monday, Gov. Charlie Crist said that, while Florida continues to be one of the world’s top tourist destinations, “now is the time for the industry to collectively and creatively respond to ensure Florida’s promotional efforts connect with markets key to rebounding against the temporary downturn.”