Strong spring break tourism numbers in Fort Myers Beach

It is spring break on Fort Myers Beach and the sand is full of vacationers. It is a big relief, especially after the water quality crisis we had last year.

While spring break is slowly winding down, officials on the island said despite issues with red tide last year during summer it did not affect tourism on the island for spring break.

The Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce told WINK News hotel rooms and rentals on the island were near full capacity the last few months.

“The water has been blues and greens and teals,” said Jacki Liszak, president of the Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce. “That is the way it’s supposed to be and our visitors this spring really enjoyed it. The beaches were full, the restaurants were full and the hotels were full.”

Although they did not keep official numbers, they said businesses are beginning to make up revenue lost last summer. It is a big deal for a town that depends heavily on its water.

Last August, business lost almost $12 million in revenue due to red tide. It is a big deal for a town that depends heavily on its water.

But it looks like the area has recovered, but it does not mean next year will be a guarantee of success. The chamber also said business on the island is also up double digits in revenue.

“There were many weekends where most of everyone I spoke to was a 100 percent capacity so to us that’s great,” Liszak said. “I can also tell you the increased foot traffic on the boulevard this year was noticeable significantly noticeable.”

Reporter: Brea Hollingsworth



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