County Commissioner Maria Marino
When you think about the economic vitality of our community, a key sustaining driver is tourism. Total visitor
spending throughout Palm Beach County for 2021 was $5.5 billion. The total economic impact by visitors to PBC for
2021 was a record-shattering $7.8 billion. Hotel room night revenue was more than $1 billion, 10% higher than 2019.
According to Discover The Palm Beaches, Palm Beach County's tourism marketing agency, more than 8.2 million
people
visited the county in 2019, and projections for 2022 predict up to 8.5 million visitors.
Many factors, in addition to the idyllic climate, combine to make Palm Beach County a major destination. Our
extensive, award-winning parks system; spectacular beaches, which we work hard to maintain and re-nourish together
with coastal dunes; our natural areas system; cultural and community events; recreational opportunities; superior
accommodations; and easily-accessible airport are some of the many reasons travelers choose Palm Beach County. Not
surprising, those same amenities have drawn numerous business relocations to our area.
One of the major events that continues to draw visitors, is the Honda Classic, which brings the world's best
PGA tour players to Palm Beach County. More than a golf tournament, the week-long, volunteer-driven event was held
this year at PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens from February 21 - 27, and has a global reach in
attracting attendees and contributors. The Palm Beach County Sports Commission estimates an economic impact of over
$60 million from the Honda Classic.
More than 200,000 people attended the 2022 Honda Classic, which also honored young local golf competitors. Net
proceeds benefit South Florida non-profit organizations through Honda Classic Cares. One such non-profit is the
Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation, which supports the advancement of diagnosis, treatment and
prevention of childhood diseases and disorders, as well as programs and projects aimed at health care and community
services. Last year, Honda Classic Cares shared more than $5 million with non-profit organizations and over $60
million since its inception.
As a Class-A Member of the Ladies Professional Golf Association, I am proud to serve as an ambassador for the sport
and to support local golf programs for at-risk youth. With more golf courses than any other county in the country,
Palm Beach County continues to draw visitors and new residents who can enjoy golf year-round as a life-long sport.
Fortunately, during the State Legislative Session which just ended, no additional tourist development tax expansions
were passed, and Visit Florida received another five-year extension to continue its marketing programs to draw
travelers to Florida destinations.
So, when traffic gets a bit more congested during our winter/spring season, remember that tourism helps attract new
business and keeps our small businesses humming. According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses
account for 99.9% of all U.S. businesses. Additionally, Longwoods International, a market research consultant,
recently released a survey noting strong traveler support for small, locally-owned restaurants and retailers, many
of whom are still climbing out from under the financial hits they took during the pandemic.
Please contact me if you need assistance at (561) 355-2201, or by email at mmarino@pbcgov.org.