FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MAY 13, 2024 CONTACTS: Ray Sarracino, Jackie Parker, Miriam Dotson 239-338-3500
Landmarks "Light Up Lee" in celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week in Lee County, May 19-25
LEE COUNTY, Fla. (U.S.A.) – To celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), “Light Up Lee” will illuminate landmarks with blue lighting throughout Lee County during the week of May 19-25.
Light Up Lee is one of several initiatives being implemented by the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB) to highlight the value of tourism to Lee County.
Light Up Lee locations include:
- Cape Coral Veterans Memorial Monument, Cape Coral Parkway near Cape Coral Bridge
- Cape Coral City Hall fountain, 1015 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral
- Control tower at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)
“Travel is an economic powerhouse, job creator and community builder,” said Cecil Pendergrass, Lee County Commissioner and Tourist Development Council chairman. “It is time to bring out the blue lights! We invite all businesses in Lee County to Light Up Lee in celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week.”
Other local initiatives in support of NTTW include:
- A resolution proclaiming NTTW in Lee County at the May 21 Lee Board of County Commissioners regularly scheduled meeting. Watch online at the start of the 9:30 a.m. meeting at leegov.com/leeTV.
- Sharing the Sand Dollar Sense video and social media posts highlighting examples of how tourism has benefitted the Lee County economy (Facebook @leevcb and Instagram @leecountyvcb). Check out VisitFortMyers.com/NTTW for more information.
In 2023, U.S. travel spending generated $89 billion in state and local taxes to support education, emergency response, public safety and more. Nationally, the travel industry generated a $2.8 trillion economic output in 2023 and supported 15 million jobs, fueling communities, small businesses and working families across the country.
Lee County’s role in local tourism:
- In Lee County, tourism generated $2.9 billion in economic impact in 2023, supporting more than 48,000 jobs and generating $1.5 billion in wages and salaries. Visitor spending also saves local residents $1,004 per household in state and local taxes.
- Tourist Development Council (TDC) Funding Programs: The VCB supports tourism product development through three funding programs – Beach & Shoreline, Events Marketing and Arts & Attractions Marketing.
- Arts & Attractions Marketing Program: Since 2004, the TDC has provided financial assistance to not-for-profit arts and attractions organizations to strengthen awareness of local arts and cultural venues. To date, $7.9 million has been allocated to the program. The goal of the program is to enhance the visitor experience and encourage repeat visitations through advertising promotions and the creative dissemination of information regarding unique art and cultural experiences. Application cycle for FY 2023-24 opens May 16.
- Beach & Shoreline Funding Program: This program provides direct benefit to visitors and residents alike, with the goal of promoting tourism while preserving and enhancing the destination’s beaches and shoreline. Since 2000, more than $195 million has been allocated to a variety of projects related to beach maintenance, beach renourishment and beach park facility development.
- Events Marketing Program: This program provides reimbursable funding assistance for out-of-market advertising and promotional efforts to not-for-profit organizations with the goal of generating additional room-night stays in Lee County accommodations. To date, $3.3 million has been allocated to the program. An example of an event receiving this funding is Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, which is celebrating its 10th year and will be held Sept. 20-29.
- Stadium facilities
- Debt service for JetBlue Park and Lee Health Sports Complex (Hammond Stadium) also is funded by the bed tax. These facilities are the spring training homes to the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins, respectively.
- Visitor Services Tourism Ambassadors
- Based at RSW, Visitor Services encompasses community and volunteer relations efforts to provide a positive tourism experience to visitors and residents throughout the destination. Visitor Services also oversees 130 volunteer Tourism Ambassadors, who welcome and assist travelers. The ambassador program started in 1989. The ambassadors donate more than 27,000 hours of service and answer more than 400,000 questions annually to provide travelers with tourism information and airport guidance. Learn more out our Tourism Ambassador program.
- Guests First Customer Service Training Program
- Guests First is a free educational program for Lee County hospitality employees that offers customer service training to frontline and management professionals. Upon completion, participants have gained tools to provide excellent customer service to visitors and residents, as well as earn their Certified Guest Service Professional (CGSP) credentials. With more than 1,000 CGSPs and counting, this program enhances the local workforce. Sign up for the summer session today
- Elaine McLaughlin Outstanding Hospitality Service Awards (E Awards)
- The VCB hosts the Elaine McLaughlin Outstanding Hospitality Service Awards, or E Awards, annually to honor local tourism professionals and allied industries for their extraordinary customer service and dedication. The E Awards will be held Aug. 23 at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center. If you have experienced exceptional customer service or you work with colleagues who have gone above and beyond, nominate them today. The deadline for nominations is July 12.
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EDITOR’S NOTE: Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods include: Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral, Pine Island, Matlacha, Boca Grande & Outer Islands, North Fort Myers, Alva, Buckingham and Lehigh Acres. For more information, go to visitfortmyers.com.
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