Charlie Keegan
8:05 PM, Jan 20, 2015
8:06 PM, Jan 20, 2015

Record-breaking number of tourists
WPTV

BOYNTON BEACH - More and more people are choosing to visit Palm Beach County, spending more money and creating more jobs.
The early estimates show a record breaking 6.2 million tourists came the county in 2014 (compared to 6 million in 2013) and tourism officials said 2015 is looking just as good.
The proof is in the number of hotels under construction. Tourism leaders said 1,042 hotel rooms are in construction and another 1,400 are in the pipeline.
Tourism is Palm Beach County's number one industry. Which means big business for national hotel chains and small, mom and pop shops.
For the Miller family, a trip to Florida isn't complete without jumping on a jet ski. The New Yorkers are in Boynton Beach for personal reasons this week, but often visit the area on vacation.
They choose Palm Beach County over destinations like Orlando and Miami because of the variety here.
"It's really the beach and the water activities that we can do here, so that's why we like to come to this part," Aidel Miller explained.
Margie Johnson is happy to have the Millers' business. Johnson and her husband run Intracoastal Jet Ski and Boat Rental in Boynton Beach. They've watched it grow for 23 years and said 2014 was their best year ever.
"We didn't decide it, the people decided it. They kept on coming, we had to keep on growing," Johnson said.
She added she may have to hire another employee if things stay so consistently busy.
Meanwhile, hotel chains are looking to hire. Tourism leaders said hotels under construction now will create 6,000 jobs in 2015.
With more hotel rooms, Johnson expects more business to trickle down to her.
"The more they build, the more people come, the better it is for us, that's for sure," Johnson said.
So, what makes Palm Beach County so popular it demands more hotel rooms? Tourism experts said the county offers a huge variety to travelers. Each city has it's own charm and attractions for young and old.