The “laid back side of Florida” offers just the right combo of beaches, nature and value a lot of clients look for.
Fort Myers and its nearby islands, including Sanibel and Captiva, are sunny gems on Florida’s west coast, and are back and ready to welcome us after the sad devastation of Hurricane Ian last SEP.
“We are very excited to have Canadians come back – and we are open and ready to receive them,” Charm Evans, Global Sales Manager for Lee County VCB told Open Jaw during an exclusive interview 21JUN. “Some of our properties have yet to open, while many others have taken advantage of the break to upgrade and refresh. In all 70 per cent of our rooms – about 10,000 in all - are ready.”
And since there’s nothing better than a new property to get the buzz going, Evans and her colleagues are very excited about the 254-room Margaritaville Hotel (slated to open in Jan, 2024), complete with laid-back vibe and sure-to-be-hopping beach bar.
Other accommodation options include dozens of vacation homes and condos, some located in the Cape Coral neighbourhood where there are more canals than in Venice, Italy.
Nature is a big draw in this part of the Sunshine State. There are the world-famous shelling beaches on Sanibel and Captiva Islands (the shells are replenished every day by Mother Nature and her tides), with some 400 species to be found. There are even shell walks with experts! Walking along endless boardwalks, biking on trails and kayaking are some of the most popular ways to get outdoors. Cape Coral also boasts the Sunsplash Family Water Park.
Or if the great indoors is more to your clients’ liking, recommend a visit to the Edison and (Henry) Ford Winter Estates, now preserved as museums paying tribute to two of America’s great entrepreneurs. And you can always remind clients that the shopping is excellent, from shops with crafty shell jewelry and beach wear to outlet malls. For clients looking to stretch the loonie as far as it will go, there’s a free online Sun Saver Passport with offers such as discounts and deals in dining, shopping and more.
Lift to RSW is excellent, comprising 4 weekly AC and 3 weekly WS flights currently ex YYZ, increasing to daily service come fall – with AC offering a whopping 21 flights every week in winter. There’s also weekly winter service on WS ex YOW and AC ex YUL.
Evans is a great ambassador for the county’s natural appeal. Asked what she’d love to do on a Saturday afternoon, she responded, “I love to kayak – it’s so calming, and my kids love it too!”
All in all, looks like the new slogan, “Fort Myers Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods,” debuted last January, sums up a lovely list of charms in this special part of Florida.
