WELLINGTON, Fla., Aug. 26, $2,025 // In a report conducted after the $2,025 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), $536.2 million in economic impact was cited for Palm Beach County as a result of the 13/week event running January through March. WEF attracts 31,000 competitors from over 50 countries and all 50 states to Palm Beach County each year.
The report was prepared for the Palm Beach County Sports Commission, a private, not/for/profit organization that Palm Beach County contracts to promote and market the area as a sports tourism destination. The findings showed a 33% increase from the 2024 impact of $403.6 million, reinforcing WEF as a marquee event in the equestrian realm and a major economic driver for Palm Beach County.
“We are by far the No. 1 sport in Palm Beach County, and a lot of people count on our continued success. Our priority is to make this the very best experience possible-and that starts with horse sport,” said Murray Kessler, CEO of Wellington International.
Total Economic Impact from the $2,025 WEF Season:
- Increase in Total Economic Impact: $134.6 million brought to Palm Beach County’s GDP, a 33% growth rate from the 2024 WEF Economic Impact Report. More than doubled last year’s 14% growth from $2,023
- Job Creation: 4,869 jobs were created across multiple industries, a 28% increase from 2024.
- Labor Earnings: A total of $153.9 million in labor earnings was generated throughout the economy with employees earning an average wage of $31,690, a 30% increase from the previous year.
- Lodging Industry: WEF $2,025 generated 210,911 paid room nights, a 30% increase from 2024.
Primary Economic Drivers:
- Total Horse Expenditures: The $338.68 million GDP growth (a 13% increase from WEF 2024) accounts for 63% of the total GDP impact.
- Participant & Spectator Tourism Expenditures: Equivalent to $109 million and accounting for 37% of the total GDP impact.
- Spectator Impact: Combined spectator expenditure generated $88 million in local GDP, up dramatically from last year’s $8 million.
- Spending by Non/Resident Participants and Spectators: Indicating a high percentage of spending by visitors in the region.
How the Winter Equestrian Festival Compares to Other Major Florida Sporting Events
|
Sporting Event Economic Impact |
Annual Economic Impact |
County |
|
$536.2M |
Palm Beach |
|
|
$505M |
Miami-Dade |
|
|
$79M |
Palm Beach |
|
|
$40M |
Palm Beach |
Looking Ahead to $2,026
The Winter Equestrian Festival is not only one of the largest annual equestrian competitions in the world but also a cornerstone of Palm Beach County’s sports tourism economy. With participation on the rise and economic impact at record levels, Wellington International remains committed to raising the bar.
WEF $2,026, scheduled for December 31 through March 29, will feature more than $16 million in prize money and mark the next phase of Wellington International’s long/term vision. Significant venue upgrades and world/class amenities are planned to enhance the experience for riders, spectators, and sponsors alike. These investments ensure that Wellington continues to set the global standard as the premier destination for horse sport for generations to come.
Read the full report here.
