The Perks of Southwest Florida Tourist Season

Posted on Nov 17, 2015

During winter months, Southwest Florida locals see a spike in tourists and seasonal residents. We call this “season,” and we already know the downfalls: heightened traffic and crowded beaches. But we often forget how important tourism is not just to our economy but also to our culture. Here are some major perks of Southwest Florida Tourist Season.

Economy Boost

Through tourism, local businesses in various industries experience better sales (think food and beverage, hospitality, recreation, and the list goes on). In this sense, a boost in traffic is a small price to pay.

And the economic impact is only growing. Visitation to Southwest Florida increases by the year. According to a report by Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, Lee County saw more and more visitors over the past five years. Last year, Lee County alone hosted roughly 5 million visitors, a 4% increase from 2013. Of these visitors, over half paid for their accommodations, drastically leveraging Southwest Florida’s hospitality industry.

Just how big is this economic impact? Both Lee and Collier counties reported visitor spending in the billions. In 2013, Lee County visitors spent $2.87 billion, which directly benefited the county’s economy. Last year, tourists impacted over $1.8 billion of Collier County’s economy. It’s safe to say seasonal tourism plays a huge role in the vitality of Southwest Florida economies.

And that doesn’t even account for help from SWFL seasonal residents. These “snow birds” pay year-round taxes, which help keep our streets clean and our cities fun even when they’re not around.

Cultural Immersion

People from all of the world visit our shores. While the bulk of tourists come from all edges of the United States, Southwest Florida is no stranger to international visitors. Germans frequent the area the most, followed by Canadians and then various United Kingdom countries.

Certainly, something can be learned from these foreign folks. By networking with all of the Southwest Florida international tourists, you’ll reap the benefits of cultural immersion without leaving home. Learning about other societies, cultures and ideals provides a wider perspective and a better understanding of the world we live in.

Luckily, the international presence in Southwest Florida is only growing. According to a report by Collier County Convention & Vistiors Bureau, European markets increased steadily over recent years. From 2011 to 2013, visitation from Central Europe and the U.K. grew by about 50,000. Lee County experienced similar growth.

Don’t be afraid to make some friends from overseas. These international tourists are taking the time to get to know your home. Why not get to know theirs too?

Social Scene

It may be busier, but it’s also more fun. During Southwest Florida Tourist Season, every hour is social hour. SWFL tourists come for the same reasons we love living here: beautiful beaches, perfect weather and a relaxed atmosphere. With all of these enthusiastic visitors comes plenty more to do.

For the party animal in you, take to Fort Myers Beach where there are plenty of bars serving island drinks, playing live music and hosting contests. Enjoy the bumping ambiance as beach-goers ride Jet Skis over waves and parasail over the Gulf. Often, you’ll find boats blasting music from offshore.

If you’re still not convinced “season” means more fun, visit your local farmers’ market. Most markets only operate during the winter months, offering a nice activity for locals who want to escape the bustle of the tourism boom.

Not a resident yet?

If you visited Southwest Florida and didn’t want to leave, we can help. Contact Kim Arasimowicz of Schooner Bay Realty at 239-214-1039 to make the switch from tourist to resident and enjoy Southwest Florida all year long.