Businesses that traditionally host guests are looking forward to the 30th Annual Biketoberfest motorcycle rally scheduled for Oct. 13-16 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Clean-up following the recent storm is well underway with many campgrounds, accommodations, restaurants and event facilities preparing to host aspects of the four-day event schedule. With power and internet restoration underway and water levels receding in many key venues, many local businesses are already up and running with more coming online daily.
Changing Day by Day
“Our community has been greatly impacted by the storm, some areas more than others,” said Lori Campbell-Baker, executive director for the Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Area (CVB). “We are encouraged by the daily progress made by our local citizens and municipalities in the recovery. The destination has been working around the clock.”
Many local businesses are already up and running, with more coming online daily. The City of Daytona Beach’s Biketoberfest Master Plan is fully activated, and most events scheduled for Biketoberfest will take place as scheduled.
While the status of individual properties is changing rapidly as power and internet are restored and clean-up continues, venues such as world-famous Main Street, Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona in Ormond Beach and Daytona International Speedway will be moving forward with planned events. Biketoberfest visitors are asked to respectfully avoid areas that might not be fully recovered and to ride with extra care during their stay.
Where to Stay
Visitors with lodging reservations are encouraged to contact their property directly to confirm their reservation status. Many of the properties that area currently unable to host guests are proactively reaching out to fellow industry partners in order to accommodate event visitors. Visitors who haven’t yet secured a reservation are asked to visit Biketoberfest.org and DaytonaBeach.com for lodging information and event updates.
Positive Economic Impacts
Many local businesses and employees rely on the economic impact that is generated from Biketoberfest and other tourism-related activities, explained Campbell-Baker. “According to data from Mid-Florida Marketing & Research, visitors to Volusia County spent $5.5 billion in our local (non-accommodations) businesses last year alone. Our tourism industry generated more than 52,000 jobs and pumped $700 million worth of payroll into our residents’ households.”
“Despite the challenges from the recent storm, we are prepared and ready to host visitors during Biketoberfest,” said Patrick Sullivan, general manager of Rose Villa Southern Table & Bar in Ormond Beach. “All special events, including this year’s Biketoberfest, are critical to the success of local businesses. The visitors from events like Biketoberfest allow businesses such as our restaurant to be open year-round for the residents.”
Charitable Component
In addition, Charlene Greer and the team from Jeep Beach Inc., another highly-popular local event, are already hard at work supporting the community post-storm. “We’re donating food, clothing and other assistance to local residents, and we’ll be organizing more activities to tap into our ever-generous Biketoberfest visitors,” said Greer. “A full 100% of donations received will go directly to help our community, and we’re even paying any credit card processing fees to ensure that donations are even more impactful.” For more information or to donate, visit the Hurricane Ian link on JeepBeach.com. “Members of the bike community are kindred spirits to the Jeep community, and we look forward to welcoming them back.”
