Visitor Services

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 the traveling public, including staffing at the state of Florida Welcome Centers.
• Coordinates the Guests First Customer Service Training Program and "E" Outstanding Hospitality Service 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, Retail, 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 State of Florida Welcome Centers and special events. Visitor Information booths are located in the baggage claim areas of Terminals A and B, as well as in the International Arrivals Building, at the Southwest Florida International Airport. Booths, staffed by tourism ambassador volunteers, are open year-round, excluding major holidays, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. from January - April, and until 6 p.m. from May - December.

State of Florida Welcome Centers
Ambassador teams travel to state welcome centers throughout the year to encourage travelers to visit The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel. Volunteers work 8-hour shifts for 4 days in select months at the I-75 and I-95 Welcome Centers, and participate in welcome center festivals at the Capitol, U.S. 231, and I-10 centers.

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.

Community Relations
Community education and support for special events or projects .

For more information about Visitor Services, please click here.