TORONTO — It’s a strong comeback so far for Fort Myers.

The Florida favourite, on the Gulf Coast between Naples and Sarasota, has been facing down not just one challenge, but two.

While Florida remained open throughout almost the entire pandemic, there’s still the matter of wooing back visitors, especially international visitors who are still getting their bearings after two years of not travelling.

Charm Evans

Plus, Florida tangled with Hurricane Ian in September 2022, and Fort Myers was hit hard. But Florida has plenty of experience with big storms, and the destination has made great strides.

Charm Evans, Global Sales Manager from the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau, says: “We’re currently in our recovery phase. We want people to visit, to come down and enjoy the destination, and see how much we’ve moved forward.”

Andrew Ricketts adds: “We want Canadians to rediscover the area. The destination has come so far, especially Captiva Island, Sanibel Island and Fort Myers Beach.”

Other top draws include Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral, Pine Island, Boca Grande & Outer Islands (Cabbage Key, Useppa Island, Cayo Costa State Island Preserve), North Fort Myers and Lehigh Acres.

VoX International represents the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau in Canada. The team was in Toronto yesterday on a trade mission. The timing coincided with ‘National Seashell Day’, fitting for Fort Myers, with its 80+ kilometres of beaches and 400+ species of seashells.

Downtown Fort Myers

FLIGHTS, HOTELS & RESOURCES

Evans says the Canadian market is performing well: “Overall it’s doing well. We’re always looking for more! Canada is our number one international market.”

Flights are readily available with both Air Canada and WestJet. Evans hints that another carrier may get onboard soon as well.

Asked about hotel news, Evans highlighted Luminary Hotel & Co., part of the Autograph Collection. The new-build opened in 2021 in downtown Fort Myers, “an area not greatly affected by Ian,” said Evans. The beautiful new property overlooks the Caloosahatchee River and is steps from cafes, boutiques and more.

Also notable: The Westin Cape Coral Resort, “very popular and thriving,” says Evans.

Also making headlines is the Margaritaville Resort Fort Myers Beach. It’s another new build and it’s expected to open in Q1 2024.

For travel advisors, there’s a dedicated Travel Trade section at VisitFortMyers.com, outlining all sorts of resources to help agents close the sale. There’s news about consumer promotions too, including the Sun Saver Passport.

A digital visitors guide is also at the site, plus webcams showing live looks at local beaches. Fort Myers currently has no issues with sargassum on its beaches, says Evans, adding that agents and would-be visitors can check out the live beach camsto see for themselves.

Plenty of people time their visits to their favourite destinations to coincide with banner events. Ricketts notes that the popular Island Hopper Songwriter Fest is back, and scheduled to take place Sept. 22 – Oct. 1, 2023.

The team also encourages any travellers interested in volunteerism opportunities as Fort Myers pushes through the final phases of its cleanup from Ian, to  check out this link.

All information about travel to Fort Myers can be found at VisitFortMyers.com.

Art Deco architecture in Fort Myers