TORONTO — Travel professionals got a shot of classic Hollywood glitz and glamour at last night’s Fort Myers Islands, Beaches & Neighborhoods event in Toronto.
The Florida destination rolled out the red carpet for the industry get-together, with a fun 1940s Hollywood theme. The night started with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails at PLANTA, then moved around the corner to The University Club for the Hello! Canada x Toronto Life Magazine Hollywood North Party, sponsored by Fort Myers.
The cinematic theme was spot-on, as last night marked the kick-off for the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
Travelweek got a chance to catch up with Charm Evans, Global Sales Manager for Fort Myers Islands, Beaches & Neighborhoods, at the event.
Two years after Hurricane Ian hit Fort Myers, “the return to normal is progressing well,” Evans told Travelweek.
She added: “Our attractions are open, and bout 75% of our accommodation is back. It’s mostly the coastal properties that are still waiting to reopen. Some have reopened on Captiva Island and Sanibel Island. That includes South Seas on Captiva – it partially reopened in June.”
Evans said Fort Myers is also excited about its strong lift from Canada. “We have great lift into Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). This winter Air Canada will be flying from Toronto into RSW three times daily, with up to 18 flights per week. WestJet will have two flights daily. And starting in October Porter will fly from Toronto to RSW, and starting in November, from Ottawa and Montreal to RSW.”
Upcoming events include the ever-popular (and upcoming) Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, taking place Sept. 20 – 29.
Canada is the number one international market for Fort Myers, and visitation has stayed consistently strong even with the 2022 hurricane, said Evans. “Canadian visitors never stopped coming and we’re very grateful for that. The numbers have been amazing.”
Fort Myers Islands, Beaches & Neighborhoods is represented in Canada by VoX International. Jeanette Faria, Account Manager – Canada, noted that the destination is truly unique and special, with more than 100 coastal and barrier islands. “So lots of sailing and fishing opportunities, and 190 miles of kayaking too,” said Faria.
Brand USA’s Casey Canevari, Jeanette Faria with VoX / Fort Myers, and Air Canada’s Viktor Spysak
Fun fact: One of those 100+ islands, Sanibel Island, is known as ‘The Seashell Capital of the World’. Sanibel’s east-west orientation brings countless seashells in pristine condition to its white-sand beaches. More than a few visitors find themselves doing the ‘Sanibel Stoop’ as they search for shells.
For more destination information see VisitFortMyers.com.
