MIAMI-South Florida has always been a popular tourist destination but the number of tourists—and therefore hotel occupancy and revenues—are rising in the region. Indeed, South Florida's status as an international tourist destination is fueling extraordinary investment and is offering a fertile ground for the launch of new hospitality concepts.

Steven Witkoff, CEO of The Witkoff Group, a New York-based real estate developer, interviewed Ian Schrager in the “New Concepts in Lifestyle Hotels” panel at the University of Miami Real Estate Impact 2015 conference. They explored his latest concepts in lifestyle hotels and his perspectives on the continuing evolution of the South Florida hospitality industry.

Founder and chairman of the Ian Schrager Company, Schrager developed the South Beach's iconic Delano Hotel and transformed he fabled Gramercy Park Hotel in New York City. Schrager's modern lifestyle concepts have revolutionized the entertainment, residential and hospitality industries since the 1970s.