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What The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Reveals About Our City

October 22, 2024


Anticipation is building for the 65th annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show next week.

 

Here’s what Forbes has to say on what the largest in-water boat show in the world reveals about our city’s character.

 

“Just like people, boat shows have personalities. Monaco is powerful and confident. Cannes is casually chic. Miami is fast and furious. Palm Beach is old money conservative. Dubai is over-the-top lavish abundance. The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is the bright star that bubbles with enthusiasm, always smiling with broad appeal.”

 

We’re a bright star bubbling with enthusiasm. What a perfect way to describe our growing community on the global stage.

 

By The Numbers

The boat show is Fort Lauderdale’s Super Bowl and has a significant economic impact:

  • $1.8 billion annual economic impact

  • 100,000+ attendees

  • Over 70,000 hotel room nights

  • 25% increase in flights to Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE)


This impact will continue to grow over the next year and beyond thanks to the transformation of several iconic community assets.

 

Here are some upcoming milestones to look forward to.

 

Pier Sixty-Six (rendering pictured above): the $1 billion transformation of this iconic property will soon be unveiled with hotel bookings available starting in January.

 

Broward County Convention Center: the 1.2 million square foot expansion of the convention center and new 801-room Omni Hotel is set to be complete in 2025.


Las Olas Marina (rendering pictured right): this Super Yacht destination is set to become a major attraction for the boat show and a year-round attraction.


International Swimming Hall of Fame: the $190 million makeover for this site is set to begin with the project’s groundbreaking occurring last week.


Bahia Mar: Marina Village (pictured below) recently opened and is the first phase of Bahia Mar's evolution. About $1 billion will be invested to build a publicly accessible waterfront park, luxury hotel, and 350 new condo units that will launch for pre-sale shortly. This transformation will ensure that the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show has a permanent home at Bahia Mar.


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