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White pelicans, J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel Island
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March arrives with everyone in tow
So. Many. Visitors.
It’s the height of season and you’re knee-deep in visitors. But this year is an exception.
You haven’t had a break.
The numbers bear this out. STR and Key Data report numbers show that accommodations partners are experiencing strong demand.
Here’s the January data from STR and Key Data for the last four years:
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The good news is the outlook for the remainder of 2022 is also very strong. In fact, during a presentation to the Lee County Tourist Development Council last month, Hannah Smith, senior consultant with STR, projects revenue per available room will grow 13.2% year-over-year for 2022.
We recognize that this success means that you and your teams are working very, very hard to accommodate our visitors. Please know how grateful we are for all you do. Please be sure to mark your calendar for May 3 when we will once again hold a Travel Rally to celebrate all of your hard work. (Scroll down for Save the Date info.)
And, more good news: On March 28, we are excited to welcome visitors from Germany on the new airline, Eurowings Discover. Operating from Frankfurt, Germany (FRA) to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers, the airline will offer three flights a week to RSW. Eurowings Discover is Lufthansa's new leisure airline that flies travelers to beautiful long-haul destinations.
Hang in there and have a busy – and great – March!
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Join us in celebrating Lee County tourism at the 2022 Travel Rally and Community Celebration – an event in support of National Travel and Tourism Week and the U.S. Travel Association.
We invite our tourism partners to bring their staff and represent their companies. Employees, bring your families too – there will be lots to do for children and adults. This is an event for everyone to enjoy and includes free admission, refreshments, food, music and prize giveaways.
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22nd annual E Awards call for entries
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The upcoming E Awards is officially open for nominations and we want to hear about the outstanding customer service your staff provides to your guests.
E Awards
When: 8-10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 8
Where: Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, 5001 Coconut Road, Bonita Springs
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2022 TDC meeting schedule
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June 9
July - OFF
Aug. 11
September - OFF
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Communications intern Taylor Wilson
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The VCB welcomes Taylor Wilson as its new communications intern.
Wilson will support the communications team on content creation, press releases, press trips and site visits. She is a senior at Florida Gulf Coast University, majoring in communications (public relations).
She is a Lee County native, born and raised in North Fort Myers and is a graduate of North Fort Myers High School. Wilson looks forward to learning more about the VCB and local Florida tourism.
Her interests include traveling, hiking and discovering local coffee shops.
Favorite restaurant in Lee County? Nice Guys Pizza
What is her must-see or do recommendation for visitors to Lee County? Exploring local parks and trails in the area One of her favorites is the Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve in North Fort Myers. She also enjoys riding tandem bikes around Lakes Park.
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Marketing intern Sara Campos
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The VCB welcomes Sara Campos as its new marketing intern.
Campos is a senior at Florida Gulf Coast University and plans to graduate in May 2022 with a major in communication, a focus in public relations and minors in marketing and advertising.
She grew up in Cape Coral and graduated from Bishop Verot Catholic High School.
During her internship, Campos will support the marketing team in developing the Fort Myers Discovery Challenge, a gamified mobile passport launching in March. She is excited to gain event experience while assisting the VCB in the planning of Travel Rally and Island Hopper Songwriter Fest.
Her interests include going to concerts and art museums.
- How does she relax? By going to the beach with her dog, painting and spending time with friends.
- Share some ‘must do’ tips about Lee County for a visitor? Visit The Boathouse in Cape Coral, order a fun drink and watch the beautiful sunset.
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Songs from the Sofa – and Sand – returns
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The Feb. 17 edition of Songs from the Sofa featured Nashville singer-songwriter Hailey Steele. Hosted by Miriam Dotson, VCB, Songs from the Sofa is a great way to preview performers who will be part of Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, Sept. 16-25.
Look for the next performance of Songs from the Sand on April 21.
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Keep your guests in the loop with What To Do
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What To Do gives your guests a quick guide to weekly events in Lee County.
Be sure to display this flyer with our new QR code so everyone can have instant access, all the time.
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Rotating photos include:
- (Photo 1) Jan. 8-11: American Bus Association, Candice Cocco, VCB, attended this tour and travel trade show and met individually with over 40 domestic tour operators.
- (Photos 2-3) Jan. 23-26: Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives CEO Mid-Winter Conference, Jerry Terp, VCB, attended the CEO conference (STEM market) and gave a destination presentation to over 120 attendees. During the conference, Terp also co-hosted a client dinner for 14 CEOs.
- (Photo 4) Jan. 24-26: Florida Encounter & Florida Huddle, Charm Evans and Erin Lester, VCB, attended. Collectively, there were over 400 domestic meeting planners, international tour operators and wholesalers attending the shows.
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Partners: Send us your deals and events
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PR/Communications results
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2201 Second Street, Suite 600
Fort Myers, Florida 33901
Toll Free 800.237.6444 | Local 239.338.3500
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