This article was originally published in the September issue of AGENTatHOME magazine. Subscribe here to receive your free copy every month.
As the cold weather approaches, many families looking for a sun and sand vacation can find an ideal destination in Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches & Neighborhoods.
As its slogan suggests, Fort Myers in Southwest Florida, the city offers just about everything a family could want in a winter getaway: high temperatures in the 70s, beautiful sunsets, miles of white-sand beaches, museums, seafood restaurants, nature trails and, during the holiday season, boat parades, decorated storefronts and more.
Destinations within the destination
What exactly does Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches & Neighborhoods include?
It includes Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral, Pine Island, Matlacha, Boca Grande and the outer islands, North Fort Myers, Alva, Buckingham and Lehigh Acres. (–image id='3'-
Don't let the stories about Hurricane Ian, the powerful storm that ripped through the area on September 28, 2022, deter you. The Category 4 storm destroyed swaths of the Fort Myers area, but the destination has bounced back and now boasts new hotels, restaurants and amenities, including the first new resort built directly on Fort Myers Beach in two decades.
Accommodation options
“We’re back,” said Tamara Pigott, executive director of the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau. “Every day, every month, every two or three months, something new is opening. We have new hotels under construction. And I think it’s going to continue like that for a number of years to come.”
“We are a thriving community. We have over 10,000 hotel rooms open in our community for people to stay in. And our community needs visitors to come back and spend their money in our community because it is very important to our local economy.
“I mean it sincerely, don’t forget about us,” Pigott said. “You’ll be surprised how happy our businesses are to see you. They can’t wait to welcome you back. And honestly, they’ve worked really hard to get here. They need you.”
Fort Myers Welcomes Margaritaville
The biggest news on the hospitality side was the opening of Margaritaville Beach Resort in Fort Myers Beach in December 2023. The complex was under construction when Hurricane Ian hit. The already-built portion actually protected the other buildings behind it, so they escaped more serious damage when the hurricane made landfall in Fort Myers.
A King room at Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach. (Source: Margaritaville)
Margaritaville opened its doors celebrating the destination’s resilience. The property features 254 rooms and six restaurants, including JWB Grill, named for the late James (Jimmy) William Buffett, which features steaks and dishes featuring local fish and Gulf shrimp.
Other options include the License to Chill Bar & Grill for breakfast and an all-day menu of casual fare; and the 5 o'Clock Somewhere Bar for appetizers, salads and burgers.
The vibe at Margaritaville is relaxed and airy. A giant flip-flop greets visitors in the lobby. Room decor includes beach-washed floors, turquoise walls, crisp white sheets and a pillow that reads “Changes in Latitude.”
Among the newer properties downtown in the River District is the Banyan Hotel Fort Myers, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. This historic hotel was completely renovated in 2022 and features an outdoor pool and a rooftop bar on the eighth floor.
The 118-room Hampton Inn Fort Myers Downtown opened in January 2024 with an outdoor pool, free parking and a free daily hot breakfast.
Visitor Demographics
The Fort Myers area, which offers a more relaxed atmosphere than Miami and Fort Lauderdale, is likely popular with families, who made up about 41 percent of visitors last year. About 35 percent of visitors traveled with children under 18, according to a Fort Myers tourism study.
The majority of visitors in 2023 came from the Midwest (33.8%), Southeast (20%), and New York/New England (19.5%).
The long stretch of beach just outside the Margaritaville resort in Fort Myers. (Source: Theresa Norton)
“The Midwest is definitely our number one market. It’s the old travel model, where you’d get in the station wagon and mom, dad and maybe a sister and brother would drive down I-75 to the west coast of Florida,” Pigott said. “So Midwesters, of course, but then the Southeast is a close second. We have easy flights, but it’s also easy to get around by car if you want to drive. We have a fantastic airport.”
Excellent air transportation options
“Southwest Florida International Airport is great; the airport code is RSW. We encourage people to check flight prices before deciding to drive, as it is sometimes cheaper to fly. We have good air service from all major cities.”
Families and multigenerational groups are drawn to Gulf beaches. “The nice thing about the west coast of Florida is the way the beaches are laid out,” Pigott said. “They’re the continental shelf. It’s a very gentle slope, and of course the Gulf is calm with lapping waves, so little kids can play on the beach without worrying too much about the undertow. The water is warm. So it’s really nice for families.”
Advisor Training Program
Pigott urged advisors to learn more about the destination through his online training program at travelagentacademy.com/fortmyers.
“You can be confident in sending your customers back to places that have reopened. I think they definitely need to understand that we are still in the recovery phase and some things are not going to be as beautiful as they were,” she said.
“But the sand is still white. The water is still blue. It’s still a special place. You can be sure that we’re going to take good care of them when they come back here,” Pigott added. “Our community is really excited to welcome them back, to have them contribute to our economy, which in essence contributes to our economic recovery.”
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