May
29
Going with the Flow
Filed Under Tourism, Trends | Leave a Comment
For small marine businesses, steady sales are no fish tale
“Boating and fishing is all about having fun – and fun is something people will only go so long without,” said Gary Ingman. Secure in this knowledge, the owner of Ingman Marine in Port Charlotte remains optimistic about the region’s marine industry in spite of rough economic waters.
He’s got the numbers on his side, too. A recent Associated Press report indicated that, along with other less expensive “feel good” items such as chocolate, lipstick, condoms and antacids, fishing equipment is now one of the 15 hottest selling products in the nation.
With few exceptions, many big businesses continue to report declines as cautious consumers eliminate larger discretionary purchases from their budgets. However, this year’s sales of boating and fishing supplies by small businesses in Southwest Florida have improved or held steady with 2008 results.
May
29
Collier, Charlotte tourism agencies award partners at annual luncheons
Filed Under Awards & Recognitions, Tourism | Leave a Comment
Staff Report
The tourism agencies of Collier and Charlotte counties celebrated National Tourism Week last month by holding their traditional annual luncheons – and by awarding partners that have distinguished themselves in promoting tourism.
Apr
30
Creative practices help marine industry find safe harbor
Filed Under Economic Development, Tourism, Trends | Leave a Comment
Efforts yield red skies at night
Second in a three-part series about challenges facing the marine industry in Southwest Florida.
By JIM BALLEW
Business Writer
Captain John Wood is a part-time fishing guide who operates a custom home improvement business when he’s not on the water. Year to date his offshore guide business is down as much as 60-70 percent.
Also due to the economy, his home improvement business has increased substantially.
More people are remodeling rather than buying newer homes. A lot of foreclosures, too,
need work after sitting vacant or incomplete for “who knows how long.”
Wood’s flexibility is characteristic in the local marine industry. When the going gets tough, the tough still go fishing.
Apr
3
Marine industry navigating troubled waters
Filed Under Tourism, Trends | Leave a Comment
‘Optimism’ is the catch of the day
Story and photography by JIM BALLEW
Business Writer
First in a three-part series about the challenges facing the marine industry in Southwest Florida
Numerous analogies are bandied about to describe the impact of the current economic climate on the boating and fishing industry – but the most appropriate seems to be “The Perfect Storm.”
Still, marine industry leaders throughout Southwest Florida reveal a surprising level of optimism in spite of the rough economic seas. And they are adapting to the ill winds of recession to buoy their bottom lines.
Florida ranks first nationally in boat registrations. Even with the continuing economic decline of the past year, registrations statewide posted a 1 percent gain. How the marine industry fares is of significant consequence to Florida’s economy – providing more than 220,000 jobs and accounting for $18 to $25 billion of business annually, depending on what sectors are included.
The boating and fishing industry sells a “lifestyle,” and during economic downturns consumers focus their concerns on mortgage payments, education costs for the kids and putting food on the table. Add the double whammy of curtailed lending programs, not only for prospective boat buyers but also those programs that enable boat dealers to purchase inventory for the showroom floor, and the industry faces a true tsunami. Read more
Apr
3
Business booms for new inland hotel
Filed Under Tourism | Leave a Comment
Holiday Inn doesn’t need a beachfront to attract satisfied customers
By Jessica Hehir
BUSINESS WRITER
What would you say about a new hotel that has already hosted several large groups, accumulated an impressive guest list and has already received repeat business – while still weeks away from its April 15 grand opening?
That’s what’s happening at Holiday Inn Fort Myers Airport@Town Center, at 9931 Interstate Commerce Drive in Fort Myers, which is exceeding expectations in the first month of operations – in spite of the economy.
Managing Director Brian Holly is modest about the hotel’s initial success.
“We ended up our first month really much better than we thought we would, business-wise,” he said. “A couple of things happened in the month – last minute – that we were not anticipating.”
Feb
27
Reaching across the pond
Filed Under Tourism | Leave a Comment
Florida tourism initiatives seek European dollars
By JOYCE SCHENK
Business Writer
Around the world, governments are spending millions of dollars in their efforts to lure international tourists. These programs are aimed at the same pool of potential visitors targeted by Florida’s tourism industry.
Since tourism is Florida’s top revenue producer, it is vital that the state not only retain its visitor base, but
increase the numbers year by year.
At a time when the state’s economy is suffering the same downturn as the rest of the nation, tourism dollars have a huge impact. The tourism industry has calculated that investing $1 in tourism marketing generates $3.13 in sales tax for the state.
Governments around the globe are well aware of the return on money spent on tourism marketing. Dubai, for instance, is running an aggressive campaign targeting both the United Kingdom and Germany. If it succeeds, Dubai lures potential Florida visitors away from the Sunshine State’s beaches.
-
Subscribe Now
Get 26 issues of Southwest Florida Business Today! [by major credit card] We'll help you stay on top of your business game. Subscribe Now!