According to Miami Today, Miami is poised to become the next destination for those who sail - and those who follow – super yachts, the size of small cruise ships and staffed by up to 50-person crews. In 2002, the last year tracked, super yacht owners contributed about $576 million to the economies of Miami-Dade, Palm Beach and Broward counties, including $34.6 million generated in business taxes. In March, the second annual International Super Yacht symposium will convene at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The two-day symposium March 15-16 is being held in conjunction with the 22nd annual Seatrade Cruise Shipping Convention, which is expected to draw nearly 10,000 attendees and more than 900 exhibiting companies from more than 100 countries March 13-16. Conference sessions cover pertinent industry issues, including shipbuilding and design, product development and distribution, shipboard management, technology and the future of the cruise industry.
(Source: Miami Today)