Wellington – – October 12, 2026 -- The 2026 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) contributed $607.3 million to Palm Beach County's gross domestic product, a 13% increase from 2025, according to an economic impact study prepared for the Palm Beach County Sports Commission. The result brings the event's cumulative GDP contribution to $1.5 billion over the last three years.
Visitor spending supports 5,586 jobs across the county
Riders, owners, trainers and visitors attending the 13-week competition at Wellington International generated $362.8 million in direct spending. That spending supported 5,586 jobs and produced $174.9 million in labor earnings.
Participants and spectators booked 172,899 paid room nights in the county's lodging industry. Nonresident participants stayed an average of 2.2 months, or 61 nights, and the average party included 2.54 people.
Horse-related spending rises 12.3% to $230.7 million
Horse-related costs were the largest driver of the event's impact. Nonresident participants directly spent $230.7 million on stabling, feed, training, farrier and veterinary services, equipment and horse transportation, up from $205.4 million in 2025.
That spending generated a total GDP impact of $379.3 million, supported 3,583 jobs and produced $110.2 million in labor earnings. Total GDP impact from horse expenditures has grown more than 71% since 2021.
Average weekly spending per horse climbed from $3,860 in 2025 to $4,381 in 2026. Every category of direct horse-related spending increased year over year.
Nonresident participants spend $66.3 million on tourism
Nonresident participants directly spent $66.3 million on lodging, dining, groceries, entertainment, shopping and transportation, $3 million more than in 2025.
Spectator sentiment was strong: about 96% rated their WEF experience as "Enjoyable" or "Very Enjoyable."
Michael Stone, President of Wellington International, called the festival a "proven economic powerhouse" for the region. He said the 13-week schedule creates sustained demand for local businesses and supports thousands of jobs.
The findings draw on the annual Economic Impact Questionnaire, which participants and visitors are encouraged to complete in exchange for prizes and experiences.