Lee County will draw attention to a primary driver of our economy next week by shining a light on popular tourist icons.

Literally.

The City of Cape Coral will be among those participating in this year’s National Travel and Tourism Week through the “Light up Lee” initiative at City Hall by illuminating the City Hall fountain blue.

“Cape Coral is proud to join Lee County in celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week because it’s an opportunity to spotlight the vital role tourism plays in strengthening our economy and enhancing our community,” Cape Coral Economic Development Manager Sharon Woodberry said. “The ‘Light Up Lee’ initiative, including our City Hall fountain glowing blue, is a visual way to show appreciation for the people and partnerships that help make our region a top travel destination.”

The Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau launched the “Light Up Lee” initiative to both recognize and celebrate the impact tourism has throughout Southwest Florida. The celebration runs from May 4-10.

Other Lee County “Light Up Lee” locations include the control tower at Southwest Florida International Airport; Edison and Fort Winter Estates; Fort Myers City Hall foundation and river basin fountains; IMAG History & Science Center; Lee Health Sports Complex/Hammond Stadium fountain; Luminary Hotel & Co.; Old Lee County Courthouse; Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center and Wonder Gardens.

“Tourism generates a significant economic boost for Cape Coral and the rest of Lee County,” Woodberry said. “From hotels and restaurants to attractions and local shops, visitor spending supports thousands of jobs and brings in tax dollars that benefit all residents.”

Cape Coral has 820 hotel rooms, and a number of short-term rentals — approximately 9,240 unique listings and approximately 8,530 active listings over the last 12 months.

Tourism plays a significant role in the economic health of Cape Coral, as it supports local businesses, creates jobs, and funds essential services through tax revenue.

“As part of the greater Lee County tourism landscape, Cape Coral directly benefits from regional marketing and visitor interest in our waterfront amenities, parks and events,” Woodberry said.

Woodberry encourages residents and businesses to join in celebrating the power of tourism.

“Whether welcoming visitors, recommending local spots, or simply spreading positivity, we all play a part in creating memorable experiences,” she said. “Tourism not only drives economic opportunity — it helps shape the identity and vibrancy of Cape Coral.”

National Travel and Tourism Week was proclaimed by the Lee County Board of County Commissioners via a resolution on April 15. A community sing-along video, “Take Me Out to Fort Myers,” featuring local hospitality partners, will be featured on www.visitfortmyers.com/celebrate.

“Travel drives economic opportunity and strengthens our community,” said Lee Board of County Commissioners Chairman Kevin Ruane, who also is chairman of the Tourist Development Council. “This National Travel and Tourism Week, we celebrate travel’s impact and reaffirm its importance in shaping our local economy and quality of life. And we invite all businesses in Lee County to ‘Light Up Lee’ to celebrate.”

Tourism continues to be a strong economy driver for Lee County with $4.95 billion in total economic impact in 2024 — 42,000 jobs supported by tourism, $1.6 billion in total wages and salaries and $1,049 in tax savings per Lee County household. 

The spending contributed by visitors’ benefits Lee County residents through the Visitor & Convention Bureau’s three funding programs — Beach & Shoreline, Events Marketing and Arts & Attractions Marketing. The funding used for these programs comes from “bed tax,” a 5% tourist development tax.

This past year, $12,730,113 went towards the Beach & Shoreline Funding Program, $257,500 – 13 events for Events Marketing Program and $600,000 – 35 nonprofit attractions – through the Arts & Attractions Marketing Program.

In addition the money is also used for stadium facilities, Visitor Services Tourism Ambassadors, Guests First Customer Service Training Program, and the Elaine McLaughlin Outstanding Hospitality Service Award.

The travel industry in 2024 generated $2.9 trillion in economic output, supported more than 15 million jobs, and produced $190 billion in tax revenue, equivalent to $1,490 per household, according to Lee County numbers.