The 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show opens, expecting over 100,000 visitors.
The 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) opens today, celebrating its 65th anniversary from October 30 to November 3. This annual Florida yacht extravaganza is recognized as the world’s largest in-water boat show, drawing a diverse audience of yacht enthusiasts and industry leaders from around the globe. Visitors are gathering in the Sunshine State to explore the latest maritime technology, debut yachts, and yacht accessories, marking the show as a predictor for the upcoming winter yachting season in the U.S.
Organized by Informa Markets and owned by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, FLIBS spans seven venues, including the Broward County Convention Center, Bahia Mar Yachting Center, and Superyacht Village at Pier 66, where the largest yachts are on display.
In addition to showcasing over 1,300 yachts and featuring 1,000 exhibiting brands, the event has historically generated significant economic impact, bringing in approximately $1.79 billion in revenue last year alone. Local businesses are projected to benefit from $709.7 million in sales, with $85.8 million in state and local taxes generated from the show. FLIBS 2024 is expected to attract around 100,000 visitors and aims to offer expanded programs, new features, and experiences to cater to both seasoned professionals and newcomers to the yachting world.
Andrew Doole, President of U.S. Boat Shows for Informa Markets, stated, “This is a milestone year for FLIBS, underscoring our team’s commitment to investing in and enhancing this event so that the industry and consumers can fully enjoy it. As a prominent fixture on the yachting industry calendar, we have already seen early excitement from exhibitors and look forward to welcoming our guests back to our docks.”
To improve visitor convenience, the Broward County Convention Center will serve as a primary transportation hub, offering over 3,000 parking spaces and access to water taxis, shuttles, and golf carts for easy transit between exhibit sites. FLIBS encourages attendees to purchase tickets online in advance, as there will be no on-site ticket sales.
Additionally, guests can support the important Ocean Mammal Marine Area (IMMA) initiative of the Water Revolution Foundation by making a donation during ticket purchase to help map and protect critical marine habitats.
Phil Purcell, CEO and President of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, remarked, “As we celebrate the 65th anniversary of FLIBS, we are not only honoring its legacy but also its profound impact on shaping the yachting industry. Over the years, FLIBS has welcomed millions of visitors to its docks, supporting and advancing the industry.”
Among the most notable yachts on display are the 78.4-meter Amaryllis by Abeking & Rasmussen; the 72-meter Casino Royale; the 70.4-meter Amadeus by Amadeus Yachts; the 67.5-meter Loon built by Icon Yachts in 2010; the 60-meter Bella Vita by Lürssen (relisted in July); and Unbridled and Skyfall, both built by U.S.-based Trinity Yachts.
Saxdor Yachts will showcase its flagship 400 GTC at the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, marking this model’s debut in the U.S. In addition to unveiling this versatile yacht, Saxdor will announce the launch of the MySaxdor app and the establishment of a new spare parts facility in Florida. These initiatives aim to enhance the customer experience and expand Saxdor’s presence in North America
Italian yacht giant Ferretti Group returns with a lineup of 10 yachts, including the U.S. debuts of the Ferretti Yachts Infynito 90 and Ferretti Yachts 670. Additionally, eight yachts from Riva, Pershing, Itama, Custom Line, and Wally will be featured in two launch ceremonies