Palm Beach International Boat Show Provides Boost to Local Businesses

The 2025 Palm Beach International Boat Show (PBIBS) drew more than 60,000 locals and tourists to West Palm Beach from March 19 to March 23. With five days of perfect weather, the event drove a momentous boost in business for local hotels, restaurants, and small businesses.

PBIBS continues to serve as a major economic driver for Palm Beach County and exceeded expectations with its five-day expansion. Historically, PBIBS has generated more than $1.05 billion in regional economic impact, underscoring its role as a cornerstone of Florida’s tourism and marine business sectors. This year, PBIBS also donated more than $500,000 to its grant program, Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back, funding marine-related initiatives that inspire and support the next generation of boating enthusiasts.

This year’s show featured more than 600 exhibiting brands and over 1,000 boats on display – the most ever – further elevating Palm Beach’s reputation as a premier destination for boating enthusiasts and visitors worldwide.

According to Discover The Palm Beaches (DTPB), the tourism marketing organization for Palm Beach County, hotel occupancy was 89.1% for the overall destination during the 2025 Palm Beach International Boat Show, which was an increase of 7.2% compared to the same time frame in the previous year. In downtown West Palm Beach and around the Palm Beach International Airport, 95.1% of the hotel rooms were occupied over the week, which was an increase of 6.1% compared to the same time frame in the previous year.

A highlight of the 2025 boat show was the Superyacht Show Palm Beach, hosted at Palm Harbor Marina. This premium showcase featured a curated selection of top-tier yachts, expert-led seminars on yacht ownership and chartering, and immersive activations that brought the luxury yachting lifestyle to life.

PBIBS will return March 25 to 29, 2026, promising another world-class showcase. Stay updated at pbboatshow.com.