‘One of the best we’ve ever had’: Daytona tourism officials report bounce-back for Biketoberfest

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — This year’s annual Biketoberfest rally in Daytona Beach ended Sunday.

It was the first motorcycle rally in the area with no COVID-19 restrictions in place since the pandemic began.

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Daytona’s Visitors and Convention Bureau estimates the number of attendees  at this year’s rally to be on-par with 2019.

The city didn’t allow outside vendors in 2020 and restricted capacity indoors. The Convention Bureau says that likely reduced turnout that year by about a third.

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Daytona Beach businesses say that may be why 2021 was such a big year for Biketoberfest.

“It was a really great turnout, very successful,” Ocean Floor Bar and Grill Manager Kelly Bishop said. “I think mostly because they’ve been locked down and it’s time to get out and start living life again.”

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Bob Davis, President of the Hotel and Lodging Association of Volusia County, agrees turnout in 2021 was comparable to pre-pandemic levels.

“It was fantastic...one of the biggest and best Biketoberfests we’ve ever had,” Davis said. “I think it was better if not equivalent to 2019, which was a banner year.”

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Cox Media Group