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LEE COUNTY, Florida – To celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau invites the community to participate in its “Light Up Lee” initiative. Throughout the week of May 3 through 9, landmarks and iconic locations across Lee County will be illuminated in blue to spotlight the vital role tourism plays in the local economy.
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.
“I see firsthand how travel connects people, creates jobs and strengthens our local economy,” said Cecil Pendergrass, chairman of the Lee Board of County Commissioners and chairman of the Tourist Development Council. “National Travel and Tourism Week is more than a celebration – it’s a reminder of how critical the tourism industry is to our community. Also critical is Lee County’s dedication to the expansion of our airport – RSW – so that our area is even more accessible to tourists.”
This year’s theme, “Postmarked: Essential,” highlights that in every corner of the country, travel is a foundational pillar of growth, leaving an indelible mark on our local economies and culture.
Light Up Lee started in 2024 and is one of several initiatives planned by the VCB to recognize and celebrate the impact of tourism throughout Southwest Florida.
Other local NTTW celebrations:
- Official proclamation: The Lee Board of County Commissioners approved a resolution April 21 proclaiming NTTW in Lee County. See the reading at leegov.com/leeTV.
- Daily fun facts: Follow VisitFortMyers.com/celebrate for daily updates about how tourism benefits our community.
The Power of Travel: National & local impact
Since 1983, NTTW has underscored the travel industry’s contribution to U.S. economic strength, community vitality and quality of life. In 2025, the travel industry generated $3 trillion in economic output, supported more than 15 million jobs and produced $197 billion in tax revenue.
Locally, tourism remains a cornerstone of Lee County’s economy:
- $5.13 billion in total economic impact (2025)
- 31,000 jobs supported by tourism
- $1.19 billion in wages and salaries
- $929 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.
- 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 160 volunteer Tourism Ambassadors, who welcome and assist travelers. The ambassador program started in 1989. The ambassadors donate more than 32,000 hours of service and assist over 878,000 visitors and residents annually to provide travelers with tourism information and airport guidance.
- 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 1,226 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. 20 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa. If you have experienced exceptional customer service or you work with colleagues who have gone above and beyond, nominate them today.
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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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