Downtown West Palm Beach
On-site Visitors Survey
Prepared for:
Background and Objectives
The City of West Palm Beach offers a variety of community events in downtown West Palm Beach. The City seeks to better understand visitors to specific events held in the downtown area (Clematis District and the Waterfront). These events include:
• Clematis By Night
• West Palm Beach Greenmarket
• Screen on the Green
• Sunday on the Waterfront
Specific informational goals for each event include:
• Motivations to attend
• Sources of event information (TV, radio, newspaper, online, WOM, etc.)
• Satisfaction (overall and specific components such as entertainment, food, beverage, etc.)
• Visitor lifestyle (media, visit locations, other events, etc.)
• Visitor demographic profile (age, income, race/ethnicity, presence of children, etc.)
• Visitor residency (County vs. Out-of-County, Full-time vs. Part-time)
• Economic impact to the area
Who? What? Where? When?
15 minute personal intercept
survey Chance to win one of five $100 gift card to downtown business offered to promote participation
Rotation across locations throughout each area
Locations:
• The Square
• Clematis District
• Greenmarket
• Sunday on the Waterfront
• Sandi Tree Lighting
Thursday, November 10,
Sandi Tree Lighting (5pm to 9pm)
Saturday, December 2, The Square (6pm to 10pm)
Saturday, December 9, Greenmarket (9am to 1pm)
Sunday, December 17, Sunday on the Waterfront (4pm to 7pm)
Thursday, December 21, Clematis District (5pm to 9pm)
Saturday, January 23, The Square (6pm to 10pm)
Saturday, January 6, The Square (6pm to 10pm)
Thursday, January 11, Clematis District (5pm to 9pm)
Saturday, January 13, Greenmarket (9am to 1pm)
Sunday, January 14, Sunday on the Waterfront (4pm to 7pm)
How To Read This Report
Significance testing has been conducted among the various subgroups presented. Letters denote a significant difference versus the subgroup indicated at the 95% level of confidence. Sampling error of no greater than +/- 7.8% in total at the 95% level of confidence.
The term “Top 2 Box” refers to respondents providing a 9 or 10 rating (on a 10 point scale) on a particular question/topic.
Several subgroups are presented in this report:
• Visit Condition (interview conducted during a Special Event, at The Square or in the Clematis District, not during a Special Event)
The following subgroups were reviewed (data available in the cross-tabulation reports) and, depending on relevance, may or may not be presented herein:
• Trending by Survey Year
• The Square/Clematis District Day of Week (Weekday, Weekend) and Time of Day (Lunch, Afternoon, Evening)
• Demographics
• Top Areas/Zip Codes of Residence
Summary of Findings
Shifts in visitation patterns have become apparent since 2021, with downtown events now serving as a primary draw.
The events hosted in downtown are the primary draw for visitors to the area.
Since the conclusion of the pandemic, visitors are primarily attracted to events rather than the area and scenery. This shift can be attributed to the reopening of other areas that offer shopping and entertainment and the availability of alternative options.
Events have specifically been a significant draw for visitors to both The Square and the Clematis District.
Clematis Street and The Square also both serve as popular gathering spots for locals and tourists alike, offering opportunities for people watching, socializing, and fostering a sense of belonging and community spirit among residents and visitors.
Consider enhancing and broadening the diversity of events.
Organizing a diverse range of events and festivals, featuring music concerts, art exhibitions, culinary showcases, cultural celebrations, and seasonal festivities, could significantly boost visitation rates. These events can help to maintain a diverse profile of visitors and offer unique experiences to visitors.
This influx of visitors would have a positive economic impact on the downtown area, particularly considering the postpandemic environment where individuals are more inclined to spend money on leisure and entertainment activities.
Utilize social media to stimulate visitation growth in downtown West Palm Beach.
The majority of visitors see a bright future for downtown West Palm Beach West Palm Beach has undergone significant improvement and transformation. Ratings for restaurant quality, navigational ease, and entertainment variety have surged, largely due to special events in the downtown area.
Social media reigns as the top source for providing downtown event information
Social media and, unexpectedly, print media (which have seen a significant rise since 2021) are the main sources of local news and information. Facebook and Instagram continue to lead the way, while there has been a decrease in the utilization of Snapchat as a source.
Parking remains the primary weakness
The main issue for visitors entering downtown is the difficulty of finding parking. However, since the pandemic’s end, there has been a decrease in traffic concerns perhaps because more people are utilizing alternate means to travel to the downtown area other than car.
Visitation
The majority of visitors to downtown are residents or employees, making them repeat visitors.
First time visitation to West Palm Beach
Total 2023
Special Events The Square Clematis Street
Visitation history
Time of past visit
Among repeat visitors who do not live/work in downtown West Palm Beach (n=60)
2023 Analysis By Venue
Past week Past month Past three months Past year Longer ago than that
How many times would you say you have visited downtown West Palm beach in the past year? (Among those who have visited in the past year but do not live/work in downtown West Palm Beach)
number of visits
When was the last time you came to downtown West Palm Beach? (Among repeat visitors who do not live/work in downtown West Palm Beach)
In comparison to 2021, a notably smaller number of repeat visitors reported having visited downtown West Palm Beach within the last month. **Caution – Very low base (under 30)
It seems that downtown events significantly attracted visitors to the area. This marks a shift from 2021 when people mentioned that they came for the area itself.
Main reason for visiting today
Top Mentions Total Respondents (n=160)
2023 Top Mentions
Special Event Visitors:
• 33% of The Square visitors stated that their primary reason for the visit was the Square. (n=36)
• 59% of Greenmarket visitors stated that their primary reason for the visit was for the Greenmarket. (n=29**)
• 20% of Sunday on the Waterfront visitors stated that their primary reason for the visit was for the Square. (n=20**)
While the majority of visitors to downtown were drawn to the events, restaurants and public areas continue to be popular.
However, the area itself brought in significantly fewer people compared to 2021.
Total places have visited/will visit today in the downtown area
Total Respondents (n=160)
2023 Top Mentions
Even among visitors already present in The Square or Clematis District areas, their primary motivation for being there is the events.
Total places have visited/will visit today in the downtown area
Among those who were surveyed in The Square or Clematis Street1 (n=97)
2023 Top Mentions
Despite the appeal of events, restaurants, public spaces, and entertainment have experienced a decline in their attractiveness.
Total places EVER visited in the downtown area
Among those who have visited before but do not live/work in downtown WPB (n=60)
2023 Top Mentions
Characteristics of Visit
Personal vehicles remain the predominant mode of transportation when visiting downtown.
Bus ridership has experienced a notable increase since 2021, which can be attributed to individuals feeling safer since the conclusion of the pandemic.
Methods of travel to Downtown area
Total Respondents (n=160)
Preferred Methods of Travel to Downtown Area
In downtown, walking is the preferred mode of transportation, allowing individuals to explore the diverse array of shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Mode of transportation within downtown area*
Total Respondents (n=160)
On average, visitors spend four hours during their visit. Overall spending remains consistent with 2021 levels and surpasses prepandemic figures.
Characteristics of the Visit
Total Time Spent
2023 Analysis By Venue
Total Party Size (Adults + Children)
Perception
While the appeal of downtown remains prominent, it has declined compared to 2021, as has the allure of its scenery. Mentions of downtown events now rival scenery, making it one of the top three attractions.
Downtown strengths
Total Respondents (n=160)
Only 28% of downtown visitors with kids say being ‘Family Friendly’ is a
Parking remains the primary concern among visitors but more so from the perspective of being a hassle, and less about price.
Downtown weakness
Total Respondents (n=160)
There's a significant rise in visitors to Clematis Street without children, alongside a decline in those with children compared to 2021.
Have Children
Total 2023
Sufficient activities for children downtown (Among those who have children)
Analyzing Visitor Ratings, Experiences, and Future Visitation Trends
Downtown ratings for restaurant quality and variety, ease of navigation, and entertainment options have risen,
largely due
to special events in the downtown area.
2023 Analysis By Venue
Ratings of Downtown West Palm Beach
The majority of visitors express optimism regarding the future of downtown West Palm Beach.
Downtown views as an urban destination
Top 2 Box score – 9 or 10 (Extremely optimistic to Not at all optimistic)
“It’s a great location and great for the businesses.”
“West palm used to be horrible and it has really cleaned up.”
“It has great vibes and is already a big tourist destination.”
“The area is very safe, clean, and a beautiful area in general. While I wish there were more shops, I do usually travel here for some of the food options that are only available in this area that I can’t find closer to home.”
“Seems like every day they’re improving, organizing and getting better.”
Attendees of Special Events show a higher likelihood of recommending West Palm Beach compared to those visiting the Clematis District. This trend may also account for the increased visitation to downtown based on word-of-mouth recommendations.
Likelihood to recommend Downtown to friend/colleague
2021 Total Respondents (n=160)
It appears that the Clematis District is less appealing in 2023, possibly because visitors are more focused on events happening elsewhere in the downtown area.
Likelihood of returning to Downtown
Top 2 Box score – 9 or 10 (Very likely to not very likely)
Visitors express a desire to frequent downtown West Palm Beach more often if there were free parking, a greater variety of events, and more free events available.
Factors motivating a return visit
Lifestyle
Palm Beach Outlets has witnessed a notable increase in visitors since 2021, particularly among those frequenting The Square.
2023 Analysis By Venue
Visitation to downtown areas has experienced a notable decline across the majority of areas since the conclusion of the pandemic.
This trend could be attributed to the conclusion of the pandemic and the reopening of businesses in other areas.
Frequent Shopping/ Dining/ Entertainment Areas
2023 Analysis By Venue
Social media and, surprisingly, print media (which has experienced a notable increase since 2021) are the primary sources for local news and information.
Television experienced a decline in popularity across all areas compared to 2021.
Sources of local news and information
2023 Analysis By Venue
Total Special Events
The
Square Clematis District
(n=63) (n=36) (n=61)
Elderly visitors tend to depend on television for local news and information, with 76% of those aged 50 and above citing newspapers as their primary source of information. In contrast, younger visitors rely more on social media, with 51% of those under the age of 35 citing it as their primary source of information.
The majority of visitors still rely on social media for information, with Facebook and Instagram being the most commonly cited platforms among social media users.
Snapchat experienced the largest decline, dropping from 27% in 2021 to 11% in 2023. This trend may be attributed to privacy concerns faced by Snapchat, along with a declining user base, especially among younger demographics, as competition intensified.
2023 Analysis By Venue
Do you use Social Media?
Younger visitors significantly report higher usage of social media compared to older visitors; however, social media usage is steadily increasing among older visitors.
Demographics
Most visitors are permanent residents of Palm Beach County throughout the year.
Visitors to the Clematis District are more likely to be residents of the area compared to those visiting the Square.
Special Events The Square Clematis District
Half of the visitors to downtown reside in West Palm Beach.
Zip Code of Residence Top Mentions
Demographics
2023 Analysis By Venue
Total 2023 Special Events The Square Clematis District
(n=63) (n=36) (n=61)
ownership
Demographics
2023 Analysis By Venue Total 2023 Special Events The Square Clematis District
Marital Status
Employment
2023 Analysis By Venue
Total 2023 Special Events The Square Clematis District
(n=63) (n=36) (n=61)