 |  | |
|
|
|
|
Photo from 2019 American Sand Sculpting Championship on Fort Myers Beach.
November brings Annual Meeting, Sand Sculpting on Fort Myers Beach and college basketball
November brings a whole host of celebratory events, from the VCB's Annual Meeting to Sand Sculpting on Fort Myers Beach to college basketball tournaments.
|
|
|
| |
|
Annual Meeting, Nov. 6
"Just Feels Right" is the theme of the VCB's Annual Meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center in downtown Fort Myers. Annual Meeting is a must-attend event for anyone in the hospitality industry. At the breakfast, we will share our latest sales and marketing strategies, and discuss the current state of the industry. You'll have the chance to connect with industry leaders, hear from keynote speaker Katie Briscoe, CEO of MMGY Global, and gain valuable knowledge.
Register for the Annual Meeting 2024 and secure your spot today – it's free to attend! Doors open at 9 a.m., program begins at 10 a.m., and will wrap up by 12:30 p.m.
American Sand Sculpting Championship, Nov. 21-24
|
|
|
| |
|
This beloved Fort Myers Beach tradition returns for its 34th year. Last held in 2019, the American Sand Sculpting Championship showcases the talents of the World Class Master Sand Sculptors. This year, the event will also give artists of different skill levels the opportunity to demonstrate their creativity. It's a celebration of art, community and family fun, set against the beautiful backdrop of Fort Myers Beach. Facebook: @AmericanSandSculpting
|
|
|
|
|
Fort Myers Tip-Off, Nov. 25-27 & Nov. 28-30
|
|
|
| |
|
During Thanksgiving week, bring your family and friends to Suncoast Credit Union Arena at Florida SouthWestern State College in Fort Myers for the men’s and women’s Fort Myers Tip-Off tournaments. On the men’s side, see Miami (OH), Siena, Jacksonville, Mercer, Michigan, Virginia Tech, South Carolina and Xavier on the court. Nov. 25-27, tickets at fortmyerstipoff.com
|
|
|
| |
|
And don’t miss Elevance Health Women’s Fort Myers Tip-Off, Nov. 28-30. Spend Nov. 28, Thanksgiving Day, watching South Carolina vs. Iowa State and Purdue vs. Middle Tennessee. Teams from Michigan, Belmont, Virginia Tech and Davidson round out the event. Added bonus: The South Carolina vs. Iowa State game will be broadcast nationally at 1:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Day on FOX. Tickets at womensfortmyerstipoff.com
|
|
|
|
|
Gulf Coast Showcase, Nov. 25-27 & Nov. 29-Dec. 1
|
|
|
| |
|
The women’s Gulf Coast Showcase at Hertz Arena Nov. 29-Dec. 1, features an eight-team bracket: Boise State, Illinois State, West Virginia, High Point, Butler, Santa Clara, Texas and New Mexico State. Tickets and schedules at gulfcoastshowcase.com
Six men’s teams visit Nov. 25-27, for the Gulf Coast Showcase at Hertz Arena in Estero. The lineup includes Ball State, Eastern Kentucky, Southern Illinois, Louisiana Tech, Florida Tech and Richmond. Tickets and schedules at gulfcoastshowcase.com
|
|
|
|
|
Take time to enjoy all of these events and more in Lee County. We are thankful for your partnership and wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. Thank you for all you do to promote tourism in Lee County.
|
|
|
| | |
|
VISIT FLORIDA's $5.75M hurricane recovery marketing campaign includes Lee County
Lee County will be part of VISIT FLORIDA's phase two recovery marketing campaign in response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
VISIT FLORIDA's $5.75 million, multi-phase initiative showcases Florida's unwavering spirit and reassures the world that the Sunshine State is open and ready to welcome visitors.
Phase one is already live and phase two includes a $3 million marketing campaign that includes fully-recovered destinations that were impacted, like Tampa, Naples and Fort Myers. This phase will spotlight Florida’s diverse attractions and activities, offering visitors and locals alike the chance to rediscover everything from the state’s natural wonders to its world-class hospitality.
|
|
|
| |
|
Hotel partners: Register now for Emergency Lodging Assistance Program
FEMA has activated lodging assistance for Lee County and only hotels that are registered can participate.
There are currently over 500 residents in need of lodging.
The Emergency Lodging Assistance Program (ELA) is administered by CLC Lodging on behalf of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
For more information on the FEMA CLC Program visit https://ela.corplodging.com/faq.php or
email femahousing@clclodging.com or call 866-545-9865.
|
|
|
| |
|
FloridaCommerce activates Florida Small Business
Emergency Bridge Loan Program
$15 Million Available for Businesses Impacted by Hurricane Helene
|
|
The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program provides short-term, zero-interest working capital loans that are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a disaster impacts a business and when a business has secured longer term recovery funding such as federally or commercially available loans, insurance claims or other resources.
Loans are available up to $50,000 per eligible applicant.
Loans made under this program are short-term, personal loans using State of Florida funds – they are not grants and must be repaid. Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loans require repayment by the approved applicant. Owners may utilize funding from longer term financial resources, such as U.S. Small Business Administration economic injury disaster loans, to repay the Emergency Bridge Loan.
For more information, click here.
|
|
|
| | |
|
Roxie, the Visitor Information Center RV, at Fort Myers Beach
|
|
|
| |
|
If you're an industry partner and would like to be considered for a VCB Partner Spotlight, please contact Ray Sarracino, VCB communications director, at rsarracino@leegov.com
|
|
|
| |
|
Add your deal to the VCB's new Calusa Blueway Challenge
|
|
|
|
|
If your business is located along the nearly 200-mile Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, post a deal in the Calusa Blueway Challenge. This gamified passport is a collaboration between Lee County Parks & Recreation and the VCB, and is part of a yearlong celebration of the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail's 20th anniversary.
How it works: The Calusa Blueway Challenge will offer points for check-ins at attractions and businesses along the trail. Points collected can be exchanged for prizes, provided by the VCB. Those who complete the challenge will be entered to win a grand prize of a standup paddleboard or overnight stay in the destination.
Launch date: The Challenge continues through February 2025.
It's free: As a valued partner of the VCB, there is no cost for your business to participate.
Questions: Contact the VCB's Alison Giesen at agiesen@leegov.com to learn more.
|
|
| |
| | |
|
Threshold 360 offers free filming of your business
|
|
|
|
|
Have you taken advantage of Threshold 360's free filming for industry partners? Don't miss out on this amazing, free opportunity for your tourism business.
Questions? Contact the VCB's Jennifer Walla at jwalla@leegov.com.
|
|
| |
|
|
In partnership with the VCB, Threshold 360's videos can be used to promote your business in the following ways:
- Uploaded to your Google My Business page
- Sent to potential visitors and clients
- Used in presentations or group proposals
- Added to your listing on VisitFortMyers.com
|
|
|
| |
|
VCB's Performance Dashboard
|
|
|
| |
|
Explore the Symphony dashboard, developed by the VCB, in partnership with Tourism Economics. The dashboard combines all our destination data sources to make data insights more user-friendly and interactive.
Key insights:
- Hotel room supply and demand for coastal properties in August 2024 increased by 29% and 9.6% YOY, respectively, with coastal hotel revenue increasing by 18% compared to August 2023. Source: STR
- Domestic Visitation from the 500+ mile radius for September 2024 was 57.8% of visitors, a 32.9% increase compared to September 2023 indicating a return of fly-market visitation. Source: Near
- In-state markets made up 3 of the Top 5 arrival markets in September, with Tampa being the highest. The remaining markets in the Top 5 include Miami, Orlando, Chicago and New York. The Top 3 points of interest (POI) for domestic visitors were Cape Coral, Fort Myers and North Fort Myers. Source: Near
- Average length of stay in September was 3.2 days, with 80.9% of stays including an overnight, and 77.3% were repeat visitors. No significant changes compared to August 2024. Source: Near
|
|
|
| |
|
November paid media placements
|
|
|
|
|
Our Q1 FY24/25 efforts are in full swing, driving winter visitation and supporting groups/meeting efforts. Here is a snapshot of our paid media placements launching in November.
Consumer:
- TravelDesk – display
- Travelzoo – custom content
Meetings, weddings, travel trade:
- Corporate & Incentive Travel – email
- Florida Trend – print
- FSAE – email
- Insider Travel Report – email
- Northstar Meetings Group – custom content, display
- Prevue Meetings & Incentives – custom content
- The Knot – rich media, display, social
- Travel Desk-Meetings – rich media
- Travel Weekly – display, email, print, webinar
- TravelDesk – display
- Wellness Travel University – display, email
International:
- Expedia – display, native
- Last Minute – display
- Sojern – display, CTV, display
- Travelzoo – custom content
- Tripadvisor – display
|
|
|
| |
|
Guests First classes available online and in-person
|
|
|
| | |
|
Domestic sales activities
|
|
|
| |
|
Rotating photos include:
- (Photos 1-2) Professional Fraternity Association Annual Conference, Sept. 5-7: Candice Cocco, VCB, conducted appointments and networked with fraternal meeting planners looking to hold future conferences. Planners from 34 chartering national, collegiate and professional fraternities and sororities were in attendance at this show in Jacksonville.
- (Photo 3) HPN Annual Partner Conference, Sept. 16-19: Lauren Hyps, VCB, Sandra Keneven, Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village, and Tamara Parker, Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa, met and networked with HPN Global meeting planners. Over 650 meeting professionals attended this show in Houston.
- (Photo 4) Small Market Meetings Conference, Sept. 25-27: Candice Cocco, VCB, met and networked with planners from across the U.S. of small to midsize meetings. About 450 meeting professionals were in attendance at this show in St. George, Utah.
|
|
|
| |
|
International sales activities
|
|
|
| |
|
Rotating photos include:
(Photo 1) Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA) Toronto Summit, Sept. 12: Jeanette Faria, Canada VCB, attended the Toronto event where 500 travel advisors participated in the daylong conference focused on Canada’s travel retail landscape.
(Photo 2) Air Canada Vacations Product Launch, Sept. 19: Jeanette Faria, Canada VCB, participated in the Montreal event that welcomed 800 travel advisors and 80 suppliers. The tour operator launched new destinations, self-help tools for the trade and their new digital destination guides.
(Photos 3-5) Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Sept. 5: Charm Evans, VCB, Jeanette Faria and Andrew Rickets, Canada VCB, partnered with St. Joseph Media, which represents Toronto Life Magazine and Hello! Canada and attended Hollywood North Party in Toronto. The event welcomed over 300 VIP guests, including TIFF industry professionals and A-list celebrities.
|
|
|
| | | | |
|
Communications team activities
|
|
|
| |
|
VISIT FLORIDA Canada Media Mission, Sept. 30-Oct. 4: Jackie Parker, VCB, was part of a six-destination media mission that visited Montreal and Toronto. Canadian media experienced interactive events that highlighted Florida's cuisine, tropical weather, pet friendliness and found out more about Porter Airlines nonstop flights from Montreal to Fort Myers, which resume Nov. 28.
|
|
|
|
Destination press trip, Oct. 25-28: Brazilian journalists Alex and Andreza Trivillin at Margaritaville on Fort Myers Beach. Other industry partners involved with their visit include River District Alliance, Ford's Garage, Peter's German Ice Cream & Coffee Shop, Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Fort Myers, Luminary Hotel & Co., Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Firestone Martini Bar, Doc Ford's Rum Bar, Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium, German-American Social Club, Salty Sam's Waterfront Adventures. Dixie Fish Company and Banyan Hotel Fort Myers, Tapestry Collection by Hilton.
|
|
|
| |
|
New Shellcast episode: Fort Myers reality check, post-Hurricane Milton
|
|
|
| | |
|
Visitor Services activities
|
|
|
| |
|
It's fall FAM season at Visitor Services and our volunteer Tourism Ambassadors are exploring Lee County so they can share information on the destination with the traveling public at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW).
There are many more adventures to come and we are grateful to our industry partners and Lee County department colleagues for hosting our ambassadors.
Rotating photos include:
(Panels 1-2) They toured Drury Inn & Suites and HeadPinz Fort Myers. (Panel 3) We also collaborated with LeeTran to host an educational tour so our ambassadors know the ins and outs of our public transportation system. (Panel 4) In partnership with our friends at RSW, our Tourism Ambassadors rolled out the welcome mat for Breeze Airways passengers arriving on inaugural flights. We were all smiles welcoming visitors to Fort Myers from 8 new nonstop cities!
|
|
|
| |
|
Mainsail wins top Marriott award
|
|
|
| |
|
From left: Karen Finberg, chief franchise officer; Leeny Oberg, CFO & executive vice president, development; Anthony Capuano, president & CEO, all of Marriott International; Joe Collier, president & founder, Mainsail Lodging & Development; David Marriott, chairman of the board; and Liam Brown, group president, U.S. & Canada, both of Marriott International.
Mainsail Lodging & Development, a Tampa-based hospitality company whose properties include Luminary Hotel & Co. in downtown Fort Myers, has won the 2024 J.W. Marriott Jr. Guest Experience Award, Topline Activator Score Award and F&B Excellence Award. The awards were presented during Marriott International’s Full-Service Owners Conference in Orlando. For more information, visit mainsailhotels.com.
|
|
|
| |
|
BIG ARTS Fall Film Festival, Nov. 15-16
|
|
|
| | |
|
Edison and Ford Winter Estates Holiday Nights, Nov. 29-Jan. 5
|
|
|
| | |
|
FISH of Sanibel Captiva, Dec. 6-7
|
|
|
| | | | |
|
Boca Grande
Bonita Springs
Cape Coral
Charlotte County
Fort Myers
Fort Myers Beach
Matlacha
North Fort Myers
Sanibel Island
|
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
|
2201 Second Street, Suite 600
Fort Myers, Florida 33901
Toll Free 800.237.6444
Local 239.338.3500
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| | |
|
