Miami Boat Show says event has economic impact of $597 million

The owner of the Miami International Boat Show released a study this week touting the event’s contributions to the local and state economy.

Focusing on the 2013 show, which was held over five days at the Miami Beach Convention Center and two other venues, the report said more than 102,000 people attended and total estimated sales by Florida companies topped $312 million.

The overall economic impact to the state of Florida, according to the study, was $597 million. The state reaped more than $30 million in excise and sales tax.

Of the total visitors, 36 percent were from outside of Florida. They spent an estimated $63.6 million on hotels, restaurants, shopping, transportation and other items.

Thomas J. Murray & Associates prepared the study on behalf of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, which owns and operates the show.

Because of construction at the convention center, the main show that has historically been held there is moving to Miami’s Virginia Key next year, a decision that has been controversial with residents and officials in neighboring Key Biscayne. The event is scheduled for Feb. 11-15 of 2016.

Hannah Sampson

This story was originally published July 30, 2015 at 6:10 PM with the headline "Miami Boat Show says event has economic impact of $597 million."