Study: Pensacola Beach Air Show Generated $39 Million In Economic Impact

September 30, 2026

The 2026 Pensacola Beach Air Show generated an estimated $39 million in local economic impact, according to a new study conducted by Downs & St. Germain Research for Visit Pensacola.

The 2026 show attracted an estimated 206,700 total attendees, representing 133,500 unique attendees after accounting for people who attended on multiple days. Of those unique attendees, 73,500 were visitors from outside Escambia County.

The study said those out-of-county visitors generated $25.42 million in direct spending on accommodations, restaurants, groceries, transportation, attractions, entertainment, shopping and other expenses. The visitors also generated 41,300 paid lodging nights throughout the Pensacola area.

“We know how much people love coming to Pensacola Beach for the Air Show, but seeing that impact reflected in these numbers is pretty remarkable,” said Mike Burns, executive director of the Santa Rosa Island Authority. “This air show is an economic driver that reaches far beyond the beach, and these numbers demonstrate just how important this event is to our entire community.”

NorthEscambia.com photos, by Perry Doggrell, click to enlarge.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under FRONT TOP