FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show launched its 65th annual event Wednesday, bringing over 100,000 boating enthusiasts to the city for a five-day celebration.
Running through Nov. 3, FLIBS features expanded attractions at key Fort Lauderdale locations, including Pier Sixty-Six and the Superyacht Village, and is expected to generate $1.79 billion for the region’s economy.
“Over a thousand boats are going to be exhibited, and so, the economic impact is almost $1.8 billion,” said Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis. “That’s just last year’s numbers. And every year, it continues to grow. What does that mean? It’s not just dollars to rich people. It’s jobs, it’s opportunities.”
With tickets available exclusively online, visitors can enjoy new experiences this year, from an enhanced Designers Pavilion at Superyacht Village to an upgraded Windward VIP Club at the Hall of Fame Marina, offering unique access to gourmet dining and celebrity appearances.
“We are a community that brings people together and the great thing about Fort Lauderdale is that it’s available to everybody,” said Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis. “It’s available to families, friends, people who want to come hear.”
“And of those people, 1,200 people of a net worth of $20 million, so you know, whether it’s a Musk or a Gates or a Sergey Brin or Eric Schmidt, they all pass through these gates,” said Phil Purcell, CEO and president of Marine Industries Associate of South Florida. “All these things are centric around this industry, however, at the end of the day, if you take away the views, people don’t want these condos. This is what makes it all work.”
The event also supports marine conservation efforts through a partnership with the Water Revolution Foundation, which aims to protect critical habitats.
Guests can access the event’s seven locations from the Broward County Convention Center, designated as the transportation hub, where shuttles, water taxis and golf carts provide easy mobility throughout the show.
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