(IGFA) and the nonprofit Hook the Future. And while the five-day show brings in a half a million dollars in economic impact to Ft. Lauderdale — about the same as a Super Bowl — it’s the remaining 360 days a year that keeps the city’s industry vibrant. Despite an economic recession that lingered over the past four years, a new economic impact study has revealed that the marine industry in Ft. Lauderdale’s Broward County has grown nearly 20 percent in that time to achieve an economic impact of more than $8.8 billion. And it’s 110,000 marine-related jobs is 20 percent more than it was in 2010.
The overall increase in marine related sales in Broward County was 21.9 percent, 30.5 percent in Miami-Dade County, and 101.2 percent in Palm Beach County over the period studied. Taken as a region, the tri-county marine industry’s sales grew an estimated 36.3 percent between 2010 and 2014. Statewide, gross marine sales grew by 31.3 percent.
As a region, all of South Florida has grown to have an economic impact of $11.5 billion (an increase of almost 30 percent since 2010) and employ more than 136,000 people (about 27 percent more). The study was commissioned by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, owners of the boat show. The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show® is owned and sponsored by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, managed and produced by Show Management and sponsored by Gosling’s Rum, Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), Budweiser, BoatShowHotels.com, Palm Harbor Marina, Smallwoods Yachtwear, South Florida Sun Sentinel, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Volvo Penta, Audi South Florida, The Blue Wild, GEICO, Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, Carefree Boat Club, Fairline Florida, Sirius XM Marine, GoCycle, SIMRAD, AIM Marine Group, Yachts International Magazine and BoatQuest.com WHATS NEW/DEBUT AT FLIBS.MONTE CARLO 4. - Beneteau’s newest design, the MC4, bridges the gap between Beneteau’s existing powerboat lines and Monte Carlo Yachts. Features include a large glass door that opens between the cockpit and the interior, creating one large indoor-outdoor living space; a full amidships galley; oversized salon windows for 360-degree water views and two below-deck cabins with en-suite heads. She is truly a must have. RIVA 122. - The Ferretti Group raises the bar in the american market with world debut of the prestigious 37 metre Riva 122’ Mythos. The new Riva is not only the first yacht to be built in light aluminium alloy, but is also the largest yacht the brand have produced to date. The first 122’ Mythos is presented in a Regal Silver with the main materials used throughout including walnut, leather and chromium-plated steel. The main deck features large, uninterrupted glazing and offers pano-
All attendance was up six percent compared to 2013 and the highest it has been since 2006. The heaviest attendance at this year’s show was seen on opening day, Thursday, Oct. 30, and on Saturday, Nov. 1. The number of in-water boats was up more than five percent and was the largest display since 2008. Exhibitor participation was up by three percent compared to the 2013 show. The Caribbean Yachts & Marinas Magazine |
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