Tourism/Recreation/Entertainment Cluster
Tourism, Recreation and Entertainment - This cluster is comprised of one of the strongest economic drivers in all of Palm Beach County. As is typical, the primary businesses in this cluster are hotels and lodging, attractions, shopping and recreation, sports and activities, theaters and entertainment venues, spas and fitness, arts and culture, restaurants and nightclubs, transportation services and destination management companies as well as tour and charter operators.
Visitors are drawn by the region's character, cache, and its' natural beauty. The multiplier effect of travel and tourism reaches many more businesses outside the cluster's primary entities. Trickle down economic impact from travel and tourism is wide and deep. Ancillary impact of this business is felt in every area of the Palm Beach economy.
Why is this Indicator Important?
Tourism activity is a first-line indicator of the brand strength, image, and the overall health of the Palm Beach County economy. Businesses in this cluster support 53,538 jobs directly and indirectly which generate $1.51 billion in annual salaries and wages. Overall economic impact of tourism is $2.6 billion annually. Tourism is mostly a green business, not a smoke stack industry. It is becoming increasingly green and earth friendly using renewable resources and protecting valuable environmental assets like beaches, the Everglades, reefs and parklands.
Tourism infrastructure and hospitality related businesses have been the driving force behind Palm Beach County's development since the mid 1890's when Henry Flagler created the original resort destination of South Florida. Tourists and tourism related businesses continue to be significant contributors to the quality of life in the region.
2007 Employment within the Tourism - Related Cluster
(Source: 2007 Annual QCEW, U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics)
|
|
Companies |
Avg. Employment |
|
Leisure and Hospitality |
3,648 |
71,838 |
|
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation |
978 |
15,907 |
|
Performing arts and spectator sports |
458 |
2,757 |
|
Performing arts companies |
79 |
569 |
|
Spectator sports |
94 |
1,319 |
|
Promoters of performing arts and sports |
58 |
570 |
|
Agents and managers for public figures |
23 |
45 |
|
Independent artists, writers, and performers |
206 |
254 |
|
Museums, historical sites, zoos, and parks |
46 |
696 |
|
Amusements, gambling, and recreation |
474 |
12,455 |
|
Amusement parks and arcades |
28 |
257 |
|
Gambling industries |
11 |
285 |
|
Other amusement and recreation industries |
435 |
11,913 |
|
Accommodation and Food Services |
2,670 |
55,931 |
|
Accommodation |
182 |
11,192 |
|
Traveler accommodation |
165 |
11,118 |
|
RV parks and recreational camps |
16 |
Not Disclosed |
|
Food services |
2,488 |
44,739 |
|
Full-service restaurants |
1,168 |
26,262 |
|
Limited-service eating places |
1,033 |
14,721 |
|
Special food services |
133 |
2,010 |
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