Convention Bureau launches first Islands FallFest

The Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau has launched its first Islands FallFest to entice visitation to the destination in the fall, when business traditionally dips.

From Sept. 2 through Nov. 15, the VCB has partnered with area event organizers, accommodations, attractions and retailers to bundle existing special events and provide exceptional vacation packages and deals to sweeten the incentive for consumers to enjoy those events.

"Our intent is to build the celebration into an annual event offering broader deals to prospective visitors, which in turn could help even out our bookings cycle," said Suya Davenport, executive director of the VCB, which markets the destination for leisure and group business. "We're creating a compelling annual event for which the destination will become known and will help build repeat visitation over time, particularly among firsttime visitors."

The nearly 30 local events throughout Lee County that are spotlighted during the 75-day Islands FallFest celebration appeal to a wide variety of interests. Visitors can attend the second annual Pirate Festival on Oct. 11-12, the 23rd annual Oktoberfest on Oct. 17-19 and 24-26, "Ding" Darling Days on Oct. 19-26, the Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival on Oct. 25-Nov. 2, the 22nd annual American Sandsculpting Championship Festival on Nov. 5-9 or the Cape Coral CoCoNut Festival on Nov. 7-9.

Visitors who attend one or more of the featured events can take advantage of Islands FallFest vacation packages at more than 30 local properties. Offers range from an extra night for free to discounts up to 40 percent and room rates as low as $89 per night. Some attractions and retailers also are offering buy-one, get-one-free specials during Islands FallFest.

In addition to consumers, Islands FallFest is targeted toward travel agents seeking fall getaway destinations for their clients. According to Davenport, the program is intended to give agents an added reason to promote fall travel to the destination.

Those interested in visiting the area during Islands FallFest can visit the special Web site at www.IslandsFallFest. com for complete details on all events, vacation packages and special deals, or call the VCB at (800) 237-6444.