Looking forward to 2021
Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa are almost here and 2020 is almost done.
Even with the pandemic impacting the tourism industry more than any sector, we have reasons to be optimistic as we look ahead to 2021.
We are off to a good start to the fiscal year. Bed tax collection was up 3.7% in October which is the second month in a row of increased collections. This is a great indication of our industry's resilience and a sign of things starting to bounce back.
New flights: For the first time, Alaska Airlines now offers flights to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). This opens the West Coast as a new market for the destination with four weekly nonstop flights each to RSW from Los Angeles International and Seattle-Tacoma International.
For those who want to escape this winter, RSW's other new daily flights by airline, include:
- United - Boston, Cleveland, Columbus, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, New York-LaGuardia and Pittsburgh
- JetBlue - Cleveland, New York-LaGuardia, Philadelphia and Raleigh/Durham
- Southwest - Houston-Hobby, Louisville and Orlando
- Sun County Airlines - St. Louis and Madison
New hotels: The opening of the 243-room Luminary Hotel & Co. in the River District leads the way for a resurgence in downtown lodging. Other new hotels include a 100-room SpringHill Suites Fort Myers Estero and an 80-room Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fort Myers Beach-Sanibel Gateway.
Seven more hotels – a total of 789 rooms – throughout Lee County are under construction with plans to open this month through April 2021.
New confidence: A recent consumer sentiment survey by Downs & St. Germain Research shows 59% now feel safe going to a beach and 51% now feel safe vacationing again. Our destination offers a range of outdoor activities and natural experiences that makes it unique and welcoming to people looking to escape the cold.
New Sun Saver Passport: The Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB) has launched a free mobile savings passport that is available to Lee County locals and visitors. Users have access to exclusive deals on attractions, restaurants and experiences throughout the destination. To request your business be added, please contact Nancy MacPhee, VCB product development manager, at nmacphee@leegov.com. (Scroll down for more information.)
From all of us at the VCB, we wish you Happy Holidays and a safe and prosperous New Year.
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