Organizers of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show reported that this year’s edition drew more than 100,000 visitors and included more than 1,000 boats on display.
“The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show remains a vibrant hub for our industry, energizing the continued enthusiasm for boating and marine activities year after year to kick off the boat-show season of events,” Andrew Doole, president of U.S. boat shows at Informa Markets, said in a statement. “FLIBS continues to set the benchmark, and we’re delighted to welcome back our passionate customers.”
Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis said FLIBS has a greater economic impact on the area than the Super Bowl. “This boat show more than doubles the economic impact of the Super Bowl,” Trantalis told Fox News. “People think the Super Bowl is this mega-economic attraction, and indeed it is, but the boat show far surpasses that sometimes twice, two-and-a-half times.”
The city said the show generates more than $1.8 billion for the local economy, and that this year’s edition will likely have a $2 billion impact.
Brunswick Corp. reported strong sales and share gains for its brands, including Mercury Marine. Boston Whaler increased unit sales by 38% and revenue by 22% compared with last year’s show.
Nautical Ventures had 60 boats on display and said half of them sold. The dealer projected that exceeded its FLIBS sales goal by 30% and that its Aquazone demo pool in the Broward Convention Center generated more than a quarter-million dollars in sales.
Azimut’s Grande 36 M made its North American debut and won Best of Show.
The convention center was the show’s transportation hub, with shuttles to Bahia Mar Yachting Center, SuperYacht Village at Pier 66 and other locations.
This year’s show showcased sustainability efforts intended to minimize boating’s environmental impact and move toward a more eco-conscious future. An example of this was the introduction of the MRH Innovation & Sustainability Award, which was a joint effort with the Marine Research Hub to recognize a company that has shown dedication to advancing sustainability. This year’s winner was Sunreef Yachts/Sunreef Ventures.
“We’ve reached unprecedented heights with the 64th edition of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, setting a benchmark for our industry,” said Phil Purcell, president and CEO of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, which owns FLIBS. “It’s been an incredible journey, and we’re immensely grateful for the tremendous support from exhibitors, the city of Fort Lauderdale, county officials, and our dedicated staff that make the show possible.”
The 65th edition of FLIBS is scheduled for Oct. 30-Nov. 3, 2024.
