Fort Myers Beach, a town that was hit hard by Hurricane Ian over a year ago, is still grappling with the challenges of achieving a full tourism recovery. With only 34% of its lodging inventory currently open and operating, the road to recovery has been slow and complex. The CEO of the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce, Jacki Liszak, attributes the sluggish progress to the aftermath of the hurricane, ongoing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, supply chain shortages, and updated building codes. The loss of 90% of the small inns and hotels on the island has added to the difficulties faced by the town.
In addition to the smaller establishments, several larger properties in Fort Myers Beach, such as the Outrigger Beach Resort, Wyndham Garden Fort Myers Beach, and Sandpiper Gulf Resort, were also wiped out. The outlook for redeveloping these sites remains uncertain. The lack of basic conveniences, such as an on-island gas station and liquor store, further complicates the recovery efforts. While the town’s sole pharmacy recently reopened, there is still a long way to go in restoring the amenities and infrastructure essential for a thriving tourism industry.
Despite the challenges, there has been a glimmer of hope for Fort Myers Beach. The market’s tourism comeback appears to have hit a turning point, as the destination experienced a strong holiday season and a promising start to the first quarter of the year. The opening of the upscale Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach in December has significantly contributed to this positive momentum. Jacki Liszak describes the debut of Margaritaville as “a total boost in the arm” for the town. The new resort has attracted a fresh set of visitors who may not have considered Fort Myers Beach as their destination before.
Looking ahead, Fort Myers Beach is expected to undergo an evolution in its development. According to Peter Ricci, director of Florida Atlantic University’s hospitality and tourism management program, the destination will potentially see a wave of higher-end hospitality projects in the near future. This shift marks a significant departure from the dominance of mom-and-pop hotels in the past. Ricci draws a parallel with the transformation of Fort Lauderdale Beach in Southeast Florida, which evolved from motel-heavy accommodations to a destination with a wealth of upscale offerings over the span of two decades. Although the essence and charm of Fort Myers Beach as a quieter beach town will be preserved, the destination is likely to take on a more sophisticated and modern character.
The revitalization of Fort Myers Beach is expected to attract new visitors who were not previously drawn to the destination. Kristi Mackedanz, a Florida-based travel advisor and frequent visitor to the area, believes that once Fort Myers Beach completes its recovery, it will have a fresh appeal and be able to attract a broader audience. The reopening and redevelopment efforts in Fort Myers Beach coincide with a flurry of noteworthy hospitality developments in the broader Southwest Florida market. With the opening of Allegiant Travel Co.’s Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor and the upcoming debut of the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, higher-end offerings are becoming more prevalent in the region.
The future of Fort Myers Beach’s tourism industry looks promising. Despite the setbacks and challenges faced during the recovery process, the gradual reopening of lodging establishments and the introduction of upscale projects indicate a positive outlook. Southwest Florida, once a quiet and relatively unknown destination, has gained attention in recent years and continues to experience growth in the luxury hospitality sector. The redevelopment of the Naples Beach Hotel into a Four Seasons Resort and the ongoing development in Naples demonstrate the region’s appeal and potential for further success in the tourism industry.
Fort Myers Beach has encountered numerous obstacles in its journey towards tourism recovery. However, recent developments, such as the opening of the Margaritaville Beach Resort and the anticipated arrival of higher-end hospitality projects, signify a turning point and a promising future for the destination. With careful planning and strategic efforts, Fort Myers Beach has the potential to emerge as a sophisticated and sought-after leisure travel destination while maintaining its unique charm as a quieter beach town.
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