Visitor Services encompasses community relations and volunteer efforts that provide a positive tourism experience to visitors and local residents on the Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel.  Based at the Southwest Florida International Airport, our tourism team services include:

Lee County VCB Tourism Ambassador Program. – Created in 1989, Tourism Ambassadors provide information to the traveling public, including VCB representation at various trade shows and special events. Visitor Information booths are located in the baggage claim areas of Terminals D and C  as well as in the International Arrivals area in Terminal B, at the Southwest Florida International Airport. Booths, staffed by tourism ambassador volunteers, are open year-round, excluding major holidays, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. from January - April, and until 6 p.m. from May - December.

Guests First Customer Service Training Program.  The Guests First program offers customer service training workshops to front-line, support, and management personnel within the hospitality and allied industries. Working with local chambers of commerce, tourism industry partners, and the Florida Institute of Government and Florida Gulf Coast University, Guests First teaches the advantages of excellent customer service and offers “refresher” tips on bringing back the first time visitor.  2007 Guests First workshops schedule. and registration form

The “E” Awards.  Have you been touched by a star?  The Elaine McLaughlin Outstanding Hospitality Service Awards recognizes extraordinary service and dedication provided by Lee County hospitality industry professionals.  Nominations are accepted year round in the following categories:  Accommodations, Attractions, Restaurants, Retail, Transportation and Other Services/Businesses.

Visitor Assistance Program.  Good Samaritan assistance provided to travelers during an emergency or crisis. We work closely with accommodations, law enforcement, transportation, government and medical industries to provide emergency assistance to domestic or international short-term vacationers and their families.

Project Cookie.  Team support to airline and airline partners to provide emergency assistance to stranded passengers who’s travel is interrupted due to inclement weather, airline or similar delays.

Access Ability Guide.  Information about accessible accommodations and local services for persons with disabilities to assist in providing a positive user-friendly, barrier-free vacation experience.

Reunions and Meetings. If you are planning a reunion or a meeting at the beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel, please contact Harriet Myers at hmyers@leegov.com or call 239.338.3500 for more information. 

History of Aviation in Lee County. The colorful history of aviation in Lee County dates back to the 1920's. Learn more about this exciting period in the growth of the Southwest Florida International Airport, courtesy of the Lee County Port Authority.