Visitor Services encompasses community and volunteer relations efforts to provide a positive tourism experience to visitors and local residents in the Fort Myers/Sanibel area. Based at the Southwest Florida International Airport, our team:

• Is comprised of a volunteer corps that provides information to visitors and the traveling public.
• Coordinates the Guests First Customer Service Training Program and Elaine McLaughlin Outstanding Hospitality Service Awards, known as the E Awards.
• Coordinates Project Cookie and emergency assistance with airport and airline partners.
• Implements the Visitor Assistance Program for travelers experiencing crises.
• Participates in local tourism awareness projects.

The E Awards

The Elaine McLaughlin Outstanding Hospitality Service Awards offers visitors the opportunity to recognize extraordinary customer service received from a Lee County hospitality industry professional. Nominations are accepted year-round in the following categories: Accommodations, Attractions, Good Samaritan, Restaurants, Transportation, and Other Services/Businesses. For more information click here.

The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel Tourism Ambassador Program

Created in 1989, Tourism Ambassadors provide information to the traveling public, including VCB representation at special events. Five visitor Information booths are located on the departure level as well as in baggage claim at the Southwest Florida International Airport. Booths, staffed by tourism ambassador volunteers, are open year-round, excluding major holidays, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. from January - April, and until 6 p.m. from May - December.

Guests First Customer Service Training Program

The Guests First program offers customer service training workshops to front-line, support, and management personnel within the hospitality and allied industries. Working with local chambers of commerce and tourism industry partners, Guests First teaches the advantages of excellent customer service and offers "refresher" tips on bringing back the first time visitor.

Visitor Assistance Program

Special assistance is provided to travelers during an emergency or crisis. We work closely with accommodations, law enforcement, transportation, government and medical industries to provide emergency assistance to domestic or international short-term vacationers and their families.

Project Cookie

Team support to airline and airline partners to provide emergency assistance to stranded passengers whose travel is interrupted due to severe weather, airline or similar delays.

Access Ability Guide

Information about accessible accommodations and local services for persons with disabilities to assist in providing a positive and barrier-free vacation experience.

Click Here for more Travel Resources.

Education & Community Relations

Tourism training and outreach to industry partners and local residents.

Conference Services

Support for special events or projects.