We’re thrilled to share the findings from the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast’s (EDC) recent economic impact report for the future Bowen Aquarium. The East Coast Zoological Foundation (ECZF), the nonprofit parent organization of the future Bowen Aquarium and Brevard Zoo campuses, worked with the EDC to create an economic impact analysis that provides updated data that supports our Aquarium. The numbers are clear – the future Bowen Aquarium will have an even greater, positive impact on the Space Coast’s economy and be a driver for tourism to the region.
“From the outset, we’ve been equipped with data-driven insights to help secure funding and generate broad-based support for a project that reflects the community’s values and vision for the future” said ECZF Chief Executive Officer, Keith Winsten. “We have a track record over a quarter-century showing the ecological, economic and social successes of the Zoo. With this report, we’re able to detail numbers on the success of the future Bowen Aquarium.”
The report highlights statistics like the projected $128 million annual impact and the more than 1,000 jobs that will be made available. Below are some key findings from the EDC’s research.
Key Findings
- The future Bowen Aquarium is estimated to have a total economic impact of $128.3 million in area sales annually, generating a local labor income of $43.3 million and supporting 1,248 jobs.
- Our construction costs will have an estimated one-time, non-recurring economic impact of $198 million in area sales, generating a local labor income of $87.7 million and supporting 1,519 jobs.
- $104.2 million of the total annual estimated impact will be attributable to spending by out-of-area visitors on lodging, dining, souvenirs and other purchases in connection with their visit.
The future Bowen Aquarium expects to welcome over 525,000 visitors annually, promising to become a regional keystone. This new campus will work to preserve Florida’s natural landscapes, support native wildlife and add to the cultural and economic vitality of Florida’s Space Coast. We’re incredibly grateful for your support as we continue fundraising and planning groundbreaking for the future Aquarium. If you’d like to help us get closer to our $100 million goal, you can learn more about Our Legacy Campaign, which is focused on bringing the future Bowen Aquarium to life and expanding ECZF’s work to answer the call for wildlife.
Find EDC’s full press release here. The official economic impact analysis report can be made available upon request. Please reach out to Director of Philanthropy, Emma Reynolds, at ereynolds@brevardzoo.org for more information.
