To keep the rush of tourists flowing, Lee County to spend $12 million

Thursday, September 9, 2021

In a meeting on yesterday, i.e. Tuesday, Lee County Commissioners have approved over $12 million to be spent on the advertising campaign for county tourism advertising.

To quote Brian Hamman, Lee County District 4 Commissioner, “In Lee County, we collect what’s called the bed tax. It’s a tax on our tourists when they stay in hotels or paid accommodations here to use that money to then try and advertise to bring more tourists here to the area to support our local economy. “

In 2019, visitors in Lee County had spent over $3.2 billion and in late spring/early summer, they had spent even more. As per the records of the county, between April and June 2021, visitors spent 1.2 percent more compared to 2019.
“We collect a little over $40 million in tourist taxes every year, and we’re obligated to use at least half of it, in fact, a little more than half of it, on advertising to bring in more tourists,” Hamman said.

In Tuesday’s commission meeting, it was also mentioned that for Europe advertising campaign, $300,000 will be spent. “Some of those European and Scandinavian markets are some of the best markets that come and visit us because they traditionally travel during different times since then Americans,” Hamman said. “That’s been one of the big reasons why we push so hard to have an international airport, and we’re pushing hard to try and gain more international flights too.”

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