Royal poinciana tree in bloom

A final note of thanks from Tamara Pigott

As my final weeks with the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau approach, I’ve found myself reflecting often on the incredible people, partnerships and shared accomplishments that have defined my time here. It has truly been one of the greatest privileges of my career to work alongside an industry so deeply committed to creating exceptional experiences for our visitors and strengthening the place we all call home.

What makes this destination special has never been just the beaches, attractions, accommodations or restaurants. It has always been the people behind them — the hospitality, care, resilience and passion each of you brings every day. Together, we have celebrated milestones, faced challenges head-on, and continued to evolve our destination in meaningful ways. I will always be proud of what we achieved together and deeply grateful for the relationships built over the years.

As I prepare to step into retirement on July 8, I do so with tremendous confidence in the future of our tourism community. Pamela Johnson is an exceptional leader who cares deeply about this destination and the partners who make it thrive. I know you will be in excellent hands under her leadership, and I look forward to watching the continued success of Lee County’s visitor industry in the years ahead.

Thank you for your partnership, your trust and the countless ways you contribute to making this community a place where unforgettable memories are made every single day. Serving this destination alongside all of you has been an honor I will always cherish.

With sincere appreciation,

3 local restaurants recognized by the MICHELIN Guide

The Fort Myers-area culinary scene has earned statewide recognition with three local restaurants included in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide Florida:

• Liberty, Fort Myers
• The Bohemian, Bonita Springs
• Canary Club, Bonita Springs (also awarded a Bib Gourmand distinction for good quality, good value cooking)
  

Cue the mirror ball! E Awards nominations close July 10

The 26th Annual Elaine McLaughlin Outstanding Hospitality Service Awards – better known as the E Awards – will be held Thursday, Aug. 20 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa. 

The E Awards shine a spotlight on hospitality professionals who go above and beyond to wow our visitors.

This year's theme is Disco Fever – You Keep Our Destination Groovin'!

Know someone who goes above and beyond for customers?

Whether they're a tour guide, server, nurse, front desk agent, housekeeper or another hospitality professional, we want to hear about them.

If their outstanding service made you feel good about being in Lee County, nominate them for an E Award!

Tourist Development Council members Cronin, Johnson, Waichulis & Wells reappointed to board

Pamela Cronin
Owner, The Shell Factory Airport Store

Jay Johnson
Owner, Bubba's Roadhouse & Saloon

Bill Waichulis
Senior vice president Operations, Boykin Management Co. 

Rob Wells
President, Cabbage Key & Tarpon Lodge

NEW! Nature Navigators Pass launches

Let curiosity lead the way this summer with the Nature Navigators Pass. Explore beaches, trails, wildlife cruises and family-friendly eco-adventures throughout the Fort Myers area. Check in, earn points and redeem prizes, including a grand prize getaway.

NEW! Family Fun Quiz helps personalize destination visit

Take the guesswork out of summer fun! With the all-new Family Fun Quiz, families can answer a short quiz and receive a personalized lineup of activities based on their children's ages and interests, from eco-adventures and wildlife encounters to sports, beaches and hands-on learning.

Encourage your guests to take the quiz and uncover their family's ideal itinerary in the Fort Myers area.

Congratulations to the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium for achieving reaccreditation from the American Alliance of Museums

It's official! City of Sanibel designated a Florida Trail Town

The City of Sanibel is the first designated Florida Trail Town in Lee County. The island features 26 miles of shared use paths, allowing residents and visitors to safely explore beaches, parks, shopping districts, restaurants, wildlife preserves and neighborhoods by bicycle or on foot. 

The designation was made last month by the Office of Greenways and Trails within the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. 

VCB earns DMAP reaccreditation through 2030

Fort Myers Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods has been reaccredited through 2030 by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP), recognizing the VCB’s commitment to global best practices, accountability and excellence. This achievement reflects the dedication of our entire team and the important role we play in supporting the local visitor economy.

IPW 2026 wrap-up from Fort Lauderdale

Thank you to our incredible hotel partners and international contractors who joined us at IPW 2026 in Fort Lauderdale to help showcase our destination to the global travel industry.

Over three days, our team participated in 97 appointments with travel buyers and media from around the world, sharing updates on destination recovery, new developments, outdoor experiences and the unique qualities that continue to make our islands, beaches and neighborhoods a sought-after vacation destination. Interest remained strong from several of our key international markets, particularly among travelers seeking authentic experiences, nature-based activities and extended Florida itineraries.

Before and after IPW, our Communications Team hosted travel journalists from Canada and the United Kingdom, providing firsthand experiences that will help generate future media coverage and inspire visitation to our area.

Thank you to everyone who contributed their time, expertise and hospitality to help represent Lee County on the international stage. We look forward to building on these relationshipsresent Lee County on the international stage. We look forward to building on these relationships.

National Travel & Tourism Week wrap-up

We are still beaming from celebrating an incredible National Travel &Tourism Week, May 3-9!

From supporting local businesses to welcoming visitors from near and far, tourism plays a vital role in our community.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make #NTTW memorable — our partners, local businesses, community leaders, residents, and visitors alike. Together, we continue to showcase the very best our destination has to offer.

Every day is a good day to celebrate our tourism community.

Crystal Wanke promoted to Hospitality Training Manager

Crystal Wanke has been promoted to Hospitality Training Manager for the VCB.

Over the past several months, Crystal has been leading this function, expanding training efforts and supporting both Visitor Services and local hospitality partners to enhance the visitor experience. In her new role, she will continue to grow front line training opportunities, helping ensure a consistently high level of service across the destination.

Kind Traveler introduces Every Stay / Adventure Gives Back in Fort Myers

The VCB is excited to introduce Every Stay / Adventure Gives Back. In partnership with Kind Traveler, a socially conscious booking platform that gives back to the community, participating partners contribute a set amount per booking to a designated local nonprofit – turning every tour, excursion or experience into a force for kindness. 

Adventure operators & experience providers are encouraged to join Kind Traveler’s Every Stay / Adventure Gives Back program to showcase your property’s commitment to Lee County’s future.

To join, contact the VCB's Nancy MacPhee, destination development manager, at nmacphee@leegov.com

As part of the program, your property will be featured on this landing page. 

Stay up to date on beach conditions, water quality 

The VCB, in partnership with MOTE and local agencies, closely monitors beach and water conditions across Lee County, delivering real-time updates that help guide visitors to the best possible coastal experience.

The MICHELIN Guide is considered one of the world's most respected restaurant rating systems and serves as a trusted resource for travelers seeking exceptional dining experiences. The recognition further elevates the destination’s appeal for both visitors and residents exploring the area's diverse culinary offerings.

The VCB directs hundreds of thousands of potential visitors to our website to promote Island Hopper Songwriter Fest and we want them to know about your business!

Make sure you're included by adding a deal and getting free marketing to boost your accommodations, restaurants, shops, attractions and more.

Domestic Sales activities

Rotating panels include:

• (Panel 1) PCMA Capital Chapter, April 8: Betsy Bush, VCB, met with Barb Hitchison, One-N-Only, along with other corporate and association planners.
  
  
• (Panel 2) Destinations Celebration, April 14-16: Lauren Hyps, VCB, and Susan Cecere, Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village, met with local meeting planners in Minneapolis and Kansas City.
  
  
• (Panel 3) Peninsula Tradeshow and Roundtables, April 20-22: Jennifer Walla, VCB, connected with independent travel advisors across three major Northeast/Mid-Atlantic markets, including Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
  
  
• (Panel 4) Travel Weekly Ambassador Experience FAM, April 27-29: Jennifer Walla, VCB, hosted two domestic travel advisors in partnership with Travel Weekly, NorthStar and Cruise Planners.
  
  
• (Panel 5) HelmsBriscoe Annual Business Conference, April 27-30: Erin Lester and Lauren Hyps, VCB; Tamara Parker, Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa; Sandra Keneven, Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village; and Luis Miranda, Luminary Hotel & Co., Autograph Collection, engaged with HelmsBriscoe professionals through business sessions.

International Sales activites

Rotating panels include:

• (Panel 1) Travel Leaders Network Mixer Events, March 31, April 8, April 14: The VCB Canada team participated in Travel Leaders Network Mixer events in London, Cambridge and Windsor, connecting and strengthening relationships with 180 travel advisors through trade show exhibits, presentations and networking dinners.
  
  
• (Panel 2) Granite Travel Trade Expo, April 15: The VCB Canada team secured one of the event's limited presentation opportunities, delivering a 15-minute destination update to 84 travel advisors. The team exhibited at the trade show and engaged with advisors to share the latest destination news and experiences.
  
  
• (Panel 3) Nordic Trade FAM, April 13-17: Following a three-night stay in Kissimmee, a group of Nordic tour operators spent three nights exploring Fort Myers and its surrounding communities, including Cape Coral, Captiva, Sanibel, Fort Myers Beach and Downtown Fort Myers. The itinerary featured site visits, accommodations and local experiences, providing valuable firsthand knowledge to support future destination sales and product development.

June Sales events

June paid media placements

Our efforts in FY25/26 Q3 are largely focused on influencing summer visitation through our "Just Feels Right" campaign, as well as beginning to build awareness and consideration in key markets ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

Here is a snapshot of our paid media placements launching this month:

Consumer

• Garden & Gun – advertorial
• Consumer Clear Channel – digital out-of-home in Tampa, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Orlando and Atlanta
• World Cup Sojern – display
• Tripadvisor – custom content including hub & video packages
• VISIT FLORIDA Co-op CTV – seasonal

Visitor Services activities

Rotating photos include:

Panel 1: We celebrated National Superhero Day on April 28 by recognizing our real-life superheroes, our incredible volunteer Tourism Ambassadors!

Panels 2-3: Where in Southwest Florida have our Tourism Ambassadors been? Our volunteers learned so much and had a wonderful time during their visits to: Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall and PopStroke Fort Myers.

A big thank you to our destination industry partners for hosting our volunteers.

VCB helps plant 340 trees at Crystal Lake Park, Cape Coral

On May 30, VCB staff, family and friends volunteered with Keep Lee County Beautiful to help plant 340 slash pine trees at Crystal Lake Park in Cape Coral.

The tree planting effort supports community beautification and environmental stewardship initiatives that help preserve and enhance Lee County's natural resources for residents and visitors alike.

Thank you to everyone who rolled up their sleeves and spent the morning helping make our community a little greener. 🌲💚