The Pétanque Amelia Island Open and annual Dickens on Centre helped brighten the fall and holiday seasons for Amelia Island merchants.
The Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau estimates the Dickens holiday celebration that ran Dec. 8 – 10 brought in $2.7 million dollars in economic impact.
The estimated economic impact from out-of-town visitors was despite the cancellation of opening night events due to inclement weather, according to the bureau.
The bureau’s research also found local residents spent more than $140,000 at downtown merchants and event vendors during the holiday event.
Another event, the Pétanque Amelia Island Open (Nov. 10-12), drew players from all 50 states and 19 countries. The bureau estimates it generated more than $800,000 in economic impact from off-island visitors.
Archived Video Of Amelia Island Pétanque
“Without a doubt, events such as these play an integral role in our marketing strategy and are a key factor in our tourism community’s continued growth and success,” said Gil Langley, president and CEO of the bureau said in an email to WJCT News.
Combined, the events are estimated to have brought in 3.5 million in one 30-day period.
“The success of these events depends on support from the community, and effective coordination and cooperation between CVB staff, volunteers, industry partners and local government,” Langley said. “It’s a lot to manage, but these numbers confirm it is well worth the time and effort.”
Bill Bortzfield can be reached at bbortzfield@wjct.org, 904-358-6349 or on Twitter at @BortzInJax.
