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Recap: 8/28/20 COVID-19 Industry Partner Call

Dear Industry Partners:

Thanks to those who joined today’s call. There will be no call Friday, Sept. 4, but please plan on joining us at 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, for the next call. Watch for an invitation with the details.

Here is the call summary: 

Lindsey Norris, Regional Partnership Manager South, VISIT FLORIDA, talked about travel statistics and the agency’s new messaging campaign. Norris noted:

  • Q2 visitation is down 60.5% from same time in 2019
  • Between March 1 and Aug. 15, hotels lost almost $5.2 billion compared to the same time last year – a decrease of more than 60%.  
  • Scheduled domestic air capacity for September is down 46% compared to September 2019, and scheduled international air capacity for September is down 75% compared to September 2019.
  • In their most recent estimate, state economists indicated they believe the state will receive $3.4 billion less in the current fiscal year than was estimated prior to COVID-19.
  • VISIT FLORIDA is rolling out a $13 million campaign with in-state marketing beginning next week.
    • In-state messaging – Uniquely Florida 
    • Domestic messaging – The Power of a Florida Vacation
  • Be sure to reference News to Use newsletter for important deadlines and partner opportunities 
  • Visit the COVID-19 Data Dashboard at https://www.visitflorida.org/resources/crisis-preparation/covid-19-resources-and-information-for-businesses/covid-19-fl-tourism-impacts/ for real time data

Jeff Mielke, Sports Development Executive Director, said sports tourism in September will include a Perfect Game Labor Day event. We are working with regional partners to accommodate the extra teams participating. Due to its use as a COVID-19 testing site, Century-Link Sports Complex is still unavailable as a sports venue. The county is now allowing adult sports events to resume, which means the Roy Hobbs World Series and related events can happen, as well as other senior and half-century softball events. The end of September will have two weekend events with Perfect Game. From Oct. 1-5, more than 200 teams will play in the Perfect Game WWBA World Championships. Lee County will host an event Oct. 8-12 that was originally slated for another destination. The Roy Hobbs World Series is scheduled to start Oct. 17. County recreation centers are still closed, so we are unable to host indoor sporting events.

Tamara Pigott, Executive Director, Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, shared the weekly STR figures:

Lee County STR data for week of Aug. 16-22

  • Occupancy – 44.1%, down 12.5%
  • ADR (Average Daily Rate) – $109.80, up 7.6%
  • RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room) – $48.39, down 5.6%

Stay in touch and let us know if we can help. Visit LeeVCB.com for updates. Thank you for all you do. Have a safe weekend.

Tamara Pigott
Executive Director
Lee County VCB

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