So far, so good and we'll see you at Island Hopper
While we know September is typically a challenging month for our local hospitality and tourism partners, we also know how good this year has been.
Our fiscal year-to-date – the total collections for last year – tourist tax collections for June show that we are 31% ahead of last year. We have already exceeded last year, so it’s safe to say we are on our way to a record year.
Island Hopper Songwriter Fest We have much to look forward to this month, including the 8th Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, Sept. 16-25. This signature event, created by the VCB, was first held in 2014 in an effort to bring visitors to the destination during the slowest time of the year.
Island Hopper has grown in popularity and now brings repeat visitors to hear more than 70 singer-songwriters perform more than 100 shows and share their stories behind the songs. Most shows are free, with the exception of a few ticketed experiences.
The 10-day Island Hopper music festival features performances by some of the country’s greatest BMI singer-songwriters. The first weekend kicks off on Captiva Island, Sept. 16-18, then moves to downtown Fort Myers, Sept. 19-22, and ends with a weekend on Fort Myers Beach, Sept. 23-25.
Gary LeVox, frontman for Rascal Flatts, is the headline songwriter/performer and is scheduled to perform at 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, poolside at the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Fort Myers Beach. Tickets for the event are available on the Island Hopper app – iOS and Android – or islandhopperfest.com.
Be sure to download the app to be entered for a chance to win a two-night stay at Pink Shell during the final weekend of Island Hopper, tickets to the LeVox concert and a $200 gift card.
Governor’s Conference We look forward to seeing you and our friends from other in-state destinations at the upcoming Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism, Aug. 31-Sept. 2 in Boca Raton. This VISIT FLORIDA event is always a great opportunity to make new connections and catch up with other tourism industry professionals, advertising agencies, travel experts and state leaders to explore the latest trends and opportunities for the industry.
Save the dates Please join us Thursday, Sept. 8, to celebrate nominees of the 2022 E Awards. The Elaine McLaughlin Outstanding Hospitality Service Awards recognize our local tourism industry colleagues for their extraordinary customer service and professionalism. The E Awards are set for 8-11 a.m. Sept. 8 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa. Visit EAwards.org or call 239-590-4855.
On Tuesday, Sept. 13, we would like you be part of our Key Data Dashboard Webinar at 10 a.m. Key Data provides Lee County vacation rental data and insights sourced directly from area property managers and resorts through real-time, reservation system data feeds. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about this process and gain insight into the latest vacation rental data.
And, please join us again Thursday, Nov. 10, for the Tourism Outlook Annual Meeting at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point. We'll be sharing results and highlights from 2022 and revealing our new 2022-23 sales and marketing plans.
Multiple-Emmy award winner Peter Greenberg will be our very special guest and keynote speaker. Known in the travel industry as “The Travel Detective,” Greenberg is the travel editor for CBS News and appears frequently on “CBS This Morning.” Registration will open closer to the event date.
Have a great September and we look forward to seeing you at Island Hopper. Thank you for all you do to make the destination great.
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