Opinion Piece: Travel and Tourism Boost Lee County’s Economy | Local News, Sports, Employment

Lee County, Florida is gearing up to celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week with a special initiative called Light Up Lee. This week, from May 19-25, landmarks in Lee County will be illuminated in blue lights to highlight the importance of tourism to the area.

The Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau is spearheading the Light Up Lee campaign, with locations such as the Cape Coral Veterans Memorial Monument, Cape Coral City Hall, and the Control Tower at Southwest Florida International Airport all participating in the blue-light celebration. Other notable locations include the Luminary Hotel, the Sydney & Berne Davis Art Center, and the Old Lee County Courthouse.

Tourism is a major economic driver for Lee County, generating $2.9 billion in economic impact in 2023 and supporting over 48,000 jobs. Visitor spending also helps save local residents about $1,000 per household in state and local taxes. The Tourist Development Tax, a 5% bed tax on hotel and vacation rentals, funds the VCB and its programs, including beach maintenance, arts and attractions marketing, and events marketing.

Events like the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, which will be celebrating its 10th year in September, receive funding from the VCB to promote tourism and generate additional room-night stays in Lee County accommodations. The VCB’s Visitor Services Department, based at RSW, oversees 130 volunteer Tourism Ambassadors who assist travelers and contribute over 27,000 hours of service annually.

Lee County Commissioner Cecil L. Pendergrass, who chairs the Tourist Development Council, encourages all businesses in Lee County to participate in the Light Up Lee campaign and celebrate the impact of tourism on the community. With blue lights shining bright across the county, residents and visitors alike can join in the festivities and show their support for the tourism industry during National Travel and Tourism Week.