Soaring to New Heights: 2024 Pensacola Beach Air Show Generates $30 Million Impact for Local Economy

Pensacola Beach, Fla. (August 21, 2024) – The Santa Rosa Island Authority (SRIA) proudly announces the impressive economic impact of the 2024 Pensacola Beach Air Show, held from July 10-13, 2024. The event, headlined by the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels, not only captivated attendees but also delivered a significant boost to the local economy, generating a $30 million economic impact for Escambia County.

According to a detailed report by Downs & St. Germain Research on behalf of Visit Pensacola, the 2024 Pensacola Beach Air Show had an estimated attendance of 201,969 people. The event attracted 129,200 unique attendees, including 71,400 out-of-county visitors and 57,800 local residents.

Out-of-county visitors spent $19,484,500 in the Pensacola area during the event, resulting in a total economic impact of $30,006,100.

“The Blue Angels’ annual July air show performance over the sugar-white sands of Pensacola Beach is a shining example of how our local attractions play a critical role in driving tourism and supporting the local economy. This event draws visitors from far and wide, showcasing Pensacola’s unique charm and appeal,” said Darien Schaefer, President and CEO of Visit Pensacola.

Key 2024 highlights from the report include:

• Total Visitor Spending: Out-of-county attendees of the air show spent a combined $19,484,500 on accommodations, dining, shopping, and entertainment, providing a significant economic boost to local businesses.
• Hotel Occupancy: The event generated 31,800 nights in paid accommodations in the Pensacola area, with 55% of out-of-county visitors choosing to stay overnight, averaging 3.7 nights per stay.
• Economic Impact: The overall economic impact of the event was calculated at $30,006,100, which includes both direct spending and the resulting indirect and induced effects on the local economy.
• Visitor Engagement: The typical out-of-county attendee traveled in groups of 3.3 people. Notably, 58% of out-of-county visitors reported that the Pensacola Beach Air Show was their primary reason for visiting the Pensacola area.
• Community Engagement: With 55% of attendees being out-of-county visitors, the event demonstrated its strong pull as a major attraction, bringing new and repeat visitors to Escambia County.

The 2024 event showed marked growth compared to 2023:

• Total Unique Attendees: Increased from 127,700 in 2023 to 129,200 in 2024.
• Unique Locals: Increased from 47,500 in 2023 to 57,800 in 2024.
• Economic Impact: Rose from $24,064,200 in 2023 to $30,006,100 in 2024.
• Direct Spending: Grew from $15,626,100 in 2023 to $19,484,500 in 2024.
• Room Nights Generated: Increased from 23,930 in 2023 to 31,800 in 2024.

“This event not only showcases the extraordinary talent of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, but also strengthens our local economy while putting Pensacola Beach on the map as a premier travel destination. We are committed to maintaining the high standard of this event, ensuring that it remains a key attraction for both locals and visitors for many years to come,” said Robbie Schrock, Director of Administration for the SRIA.