Monthly Tourist Development Council Report to the Industry (05/08/2009)
May 8, 2009
March 2009 statistics

The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel hosted 551,610 visitors during the month of March 2009, an increase of 10.9 percent compared to March 2008, Davidson-Peterson Associates reported this week to the Lee County Tourist Development Council. Domestic visitors accounted for 88 percent of that figure. March Canadian visitations increased 42 percent from last year.

March 2009 Occupancy Summary

March 2009 Visitor Origins

Report shows Lee County tourism holding steady
Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB) Executive Director Suya Davenport reported today that Lee County’s performance remains steady and often superior to many other destinations in the state. According to the STR Report, Lee County also remained near the top of the list in average daily rate (ADR) collected, finishing third overall among all other counties in their competitive. Inland accommodations recorded a 5.5 percent increase in room nights sold in March 2009 over the same month in 2008 despite a 14.8 percent increase in supply. Additionally, Lee County remains competitive with all other Florida counties in the percentage change in overall occupancy and RevPAR.

Lee County Sports Authority reports March numbers
In addition to the excitement that accompanies spring training each year in March, there was additional excitement for the Lee County Sports Authority during the month with great events such as the Florida Youth Soccer Regional Cup Finals. This popular sporting event and several others accounted for more than 6,800 hotel room nights sold and more than $6.1 million in direct and indirect economic impact. These numbers do not include room nights and revenue for spring training. This summer also promises to be busy for the county with many exciting sports activities booked through August, which will continue to generate visitors, room nights and revenue.

Airport news
During March 2009, 985,267 passengers traveled through Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), a decrease of 4.4 percent compared to March 2008. In other airport news, Air Berlin is increasing service between RSW and Düsseldorf (DUS) in time for the busy summer travel season. Germany’s second largest airline will offer four weekly flights to RSW effective June 28, 2009. The flights will be operated on the A330 aircraft, which features a new business class product with leather seats and upgraded in-flight amenities.

FortMyers-Sanibel.com Web traffic increases
While many destinations around the state have seen double digit declines in online activity, the VCB continues to post increases in Web traffic and corresponding inquiries. During April 2009, there were 91,344 visitors to FortMyers-Sanibel.com, a 6 percent increase over the same period last year. More than 17,000 leads were generated. “The Beach Brings Balance,” an online game launched in January, along with other targeted marketing efforts, contributed to the sustained activity.

Resort tax collection report
The resort tax collection for March 2009 was $4,395,685, down 11 percent from March 2008. March performance indicators reveal that Lee County had the second lowest percentage of change in tourist tax collection for March, behind Hillsborough County (Tampa), which hosted ACC Basketball during that month.

The Calusa Blueway Web site attracts new customers and inquiries
Launched in February 2009, the new Calusa Blueway Web site, Calusablueway.com, has already attracted a tremendous number of visitors and generated significant inquiries about The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel and accommodations. Since its launch, the site has achieved more than 15,000 visitors each month and more than 1,500 opt-ins for the VCB.

Next TDC Meeting
The TDC will not meet in August. The next TDC meeting is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 11, at the VCB office, located at 12800 University Drive, Suite 325. Please park on the top level of the parking garage. To view a complete tax collections report, go to www.LeeVCB.com. Contact: Suya Davenport at SDavenport@leegov.com, Lee County VCB, (239) 338-3500.