The Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau (AICVB) has released data on this year’s Amelia Island Concours Week (March 2-5) that shows a regional economic impact of nearly $40.3 million – a $6.5 million (19.2%) increase over 2022, and the largest impact on record. According to independent research, the economic impact was the result of estimated total direct expenditures by off-island visitors (overnight and day-trippers) of $30.6 million, up nearly $5 million from last year. Conducted by Research Data Services, Inc., the study also shows that, as a percentage of total visitor distribution, nearly half (45.3%) stayed overnight in Amelia Island hotels and resorts.
“Signature events like Concours Week and the upcoming Shrimp Festival are a vital part of our ongoing efforts to build a sustainable tourism model that fuels our community’s most important industry,” said Gil Langley, President and CEO of the AICVB. “It’s only through the active support of our many industry, community, and promotional partners the CVB is able to ensure the continued success of these popular annual events.”
A 28-year tradition, Amelia Island Concours Week is one of the destination’s signature springtime events, and one of the most high-profile events in the automotive industry, attracting car enthusiasts from around the globe. The centerpiece of this island-wide celebration is The Amelia, an internationally acclaimed event that drew an estimated crowd of 25,000 this year.
AI was (past tense) a wonderful “unfound” jewel. Certainty I understand “promotion” in times of economic necessity (Think 2009~~2011) but the relentless promotion of this once sleepily island has resulted in leaving the crowds behind now weeks at a time to the point I’m gone escaping the “promotions” (Spring Break weeks, Shrimp Fest, Car shows, Christmas ,etc.)more than I am here. The Tourism Bureau has reduced beauty to a series of studies showing nearly $40.3 mill a 19.2 % increase over last year….bla,bla,bla. Sad but so true, the thrill is gone.
Who paid for the study?
Chris. I know that you want to what entities paid for the study. How about Gil Langley’s deep pockets funded by island hotels and businesses. Another more accurate answer is you and I and people living on this island. we pay in traffic jams, increased pollution, high speed racing on our roads and a complete lack of law enforcement. This event and others will strangle the little peace and quiet left. Close down Langleys advertising charter. If not build 50 additional hotels and convert 1000 private homes to B and B’s