MIAMI – Local businesses are expecting a surge in customers when the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show sails into town on Wednesday.
The show features 1,300 boats across seven locations and brings in $1.79 billion to the local economy, billing itself as the largest “in-water” boat show in the world.
“An event like the boat show has a massive impact on us, especially since we’re just coming out of the off-season, and business has been very slow throughout the summer,” said Lauren Thomas, Hunter’s Beach Bar’s manager.
“We’re a super small, local dive bar with that kind of feel. So I think some of the fancier people like coming here because it feels like home and it’s comfortable,” Thomas added.
“It’s like having a Super Bowl here every year. Cities really compete to host the Super Bowl, but we get one in our backyard every single year,” said show spokesperson Staci Gillingham.
Nearby, Fishing Headquarters also benefits from the influx of visitors.