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.