How the SWFL tourism season might take a hit after Ian

One of the big driving forces behind Southwest Florida’s economy is the season, which is rapidly approaching.

Many destination cities are still reeling from Hurricane Ian making life a bit different lately in Southwest Florida.

Paul Beirnes is the executive director of the Everglades Convention Visitors Bureau in Naples and Marco Island and he shared a few thoughts with WINK News about the upcoming season.

“We know tourism and the economic impact is really what’s going to drive recovery long-term,” Beirnes said.

This means, getting our tourism-driven economy back up and running is incredibly important. But, like a lot of other things, there are many unknowns for the time being.

Michael and Jane Martin live on Fort Myers Beach, and also shared some thoughts with WINK News.

“We don’t expect electricity in our building even though it’s going to come to our building soon, for a year to a year and a half,” Michael said. “I believe the construction on Fort Myers Beach to replace houses, businesses is going to go on for years so there is no way we are having a season this year, no way, hopefully, we’ll have a season next year but that’s not a certainty.”

The recovery has brought an influx of people to Southwest Florida, but not the typical tourist or vacationers. Instead, the people attracted to Southwest Florida seem to be first responders, linemen, and contractors.

“Working hard, long hours chances are you’re probably crashing at the end of the day you’re not going out to the fine restaurants you’re not going to the bars you’re not going golfing so that’s the piece of the economic puzzle that is definitely missing it’s wonderful we celebrate every one of those first responders and contractors that are here, but mentally it’s not the ideal balance,” Beirnes said.

Beirnes with the CVB said he’s hopeful it will only be this season where we see a hit, and is hoping we see the season back and better in 2023.