The Palm Beach International Boat Show is back in West Palm Beach, bringing with it a major economic boost for local businesses.While the luxury boats draw the crowds, business owners say the biggest impact is happening off the docks — in restaurants, shops and other nearby establishments, seeing a surge in customers.Stay up to date: The latest headlines and weather from WPBF 25Tens of thousands of visitors are expected to pack the waterfront during the multi-day event. The Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County estimates the show generates more than $1 billion in economic impact, including hundreds of millions of dollars in boat sales alone.For new businesses like Crema Gourmet, the show marks one of the busiest times of the year.”This is like our busiest time ever,” said Paola Contreras of Crema Gourmet. “We expect Saturday to be our best day of this year.”Boat dealers also say the event creates opportunities to connect with new customers.”I look forward to the new clients that come through, the people that are browsing, and the people that are buying,” said Gary Durocher of InterMarine.Restaurants are also benefiting from the increased traffic. At Lynora’s, which is celebrating 50 years this year, staff expect crowds well beyond daytime hours.”This is actually one of the best weekends for us,” said Ellis Wallman of Lynora’s. “It brings in tons of traffic. People are coming before the boat show, they’re coming after the boat show. It’s just a great way for us to see not only our regular clientele, but people that are visiting and want to come back to Palm Beach County.”Business owners say the exposure extends beyond the weekend itself, helping bring in new customers for months after the show ends.Get the latest weather updates with the WPBF 25 News app. You can download it here.
The Palm Beach International Boat Show is back in West Palm Beach, bringing with it a major economic boost for local businesses.
While the luxury boats draw the crowds, business owners say the biggest impact is happening off the docks — in restaurants, shops and other nearby establishments, seeing a surge in customers.
Stay up to date: The latest headlines and weather from WPBF 25
Tens of thousands of visitors are expected to pack the waterfront during the multi-day event. The Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County estimates the show generates more than $1 billion in economic impact, including hundreds of millions of dollars in boat sales alone.
For new businesses like Crema Gourmet, the show marks one of the busiest times of the year.
“This is like our busiest time ever,” said Paola Contreras of Crema Gourmet. “We expect Saturday to be our best day of this year.”
Boat dealers also say the event creates opportunities to connect with new customers.
“I look forward to the new clients that come through, the people that are browsing, and the people that are buying,” said Gary Durocher of InterMarine.
Restaurants are also benefiting from the increased traffic. At Lynora’s, which is celebrating 50 years this year, staff expect crowds well beyond daytime hours.
“This is actually one of the best weekends for us,” said Ellis Wallman of Lynora’s. “It brings in tons of traffic. People are coming before the boat show, they’re coming after the boat show. It’s just a great way for us to see not only our regular clientele, but people that are visiting and want to come back to Palm Beach County.”
Business owners say the exposure extends beyond the weekend itself, helping bring in new customers for months after the show ends.
Get the latest weather updates with the WPBF 25 News app. You can download it here.
