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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 29, 2025
CONTACTS: Ray Sarracino, Jackie Parker, Miriam Dotson 239-338-3500
Lee County landmarks to shine blue during
National Travel and Tourism Week, May 4-10
LEE COUNTY, Florida – Let there be blue! To celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), May 4-10, the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB) will once again launch its “Light Up Lee” initiative. Throughout the week, landmarks and iconic locations across Lee County will be illuminated in blue to spotlight the vital role tourism plays in the local economy and community.
The blue lighting serves as a visual reminder of the power of travel and the collective efforts of hospitality partners, businesses and residents who help make Lee County a top travel destination. Light Up Lee is one of several initiatives planned by the VCB to recognize and celebrate the impact of tourism throughout Southwest Florida.
Light Up Lee locations include:
- Cape Coral City Hall fountain
- Control tower at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)
- Edison and Ford Winter Estates
- Fort Myers City Hall fountain and river basin fountains
- IMAG History & Science Center
- Lee Health Sports Complex / Hammond Stadium fountain
- Luminary Hotel & Co.
- Old Lee County Courthouse
- Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
- Wonder Gardens
“Travel drives economic opportunity and strengthens our community,” said Lee Board of County Commissioners Chairman Kevin Ruane, who also is chairman of the Tourist Development Council (TDC). “This National Travel and Tourism Week, we celebrate travel’s impact and reaffirm its importance in shaping our local economy and quality of life. And we invite all businesses in Lee County to ‘Light Up Lee’ to celebrate.”
Other local NTTW initiatives:
- Official proclamation: The Lee Board of County Commissioners approved a resolution April 15 proclaiming NTTW in Lee County. See the reading by Commissioner Brian Hamman at leegov.com/leeTV.
- Community sing-along video: “Take Me Out to Fort Myers,” a new sing-along video, featuring local hospitality partners, will be featured on visitfortmyers.com/celebrate and social channels, including Facebook @leevcb and Instagram @leecountyvcb.
- Daily fun facts: For daily NTTW updates about how tourism benefits Lee County, go to visitfortmyers.com/celebrate and follow the social celebration on Facebook @leevcb and Instagram @leecountyvcb.
The Power of Travel: National and local impact
Since 1983, NTTW has underscored the travel industry’s contribution to U.S. economic strength, community vitality and quality of life. In 2024, the travel industry generated $2.9 trillion in economic output, supported more than 15 million jobs and produced $190 billion in tax revenue – equivalent to $1,490 per household.
Locally, tourism remains a cornerstone of Lee County's economy:
- $4.95 billion in total economic impact (2024)
- 42,000 jobs supported by tourism
- $1.6 billion in total wages and salaries
- $1,049 in tax savings per Lee County household
- Visit LeeVCB.com for more information
How visitor spending benefits Lee County residents
- TDC funding programs: The VCB supports tourism product development through three funding programs – Beach & Shoreline, Events Marketing and Arts & Attractions Marketing. This funding comes from the “bed tax,” the 5% tourist development tax (TDT) that is paid for by visitors who come to Lee County each year. This funding goes toward enhancing the quality of life for all who call this area home. The breakdown of allocations for this past year:
- 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 1,181 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. 22 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 11.
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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
Light Up Lee file images attached:
RSW control tower
Old Lee County Courthouse
Fort Myers City Hall
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