Three Lee County Welcome Centers named official Florida CTICs
Special to The Breeze
Lee County can roll out an even bigger welcome mat to visitors at its new certified welcome centers.
In correlation with a new VISIT FLORIDA program, the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau’s Welcome Center at the Southwest Florida International Airport, the welcome center at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates, and the welcome center at The Sanibel-Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce are officially Florida Certified Tourism Information Centers.
The VISIT FLORIDA Certified Tour-ism Information Centers Program brings VISIT FLORIDA recognition to visitor services facilities around the state, providing these facilities and their staff with benefits that enable successful promotion of travel to and throughout Florida.
“VISIT FLORIDA is not looking to franchise visitor centers,” said David Dodd, VISIT FLORIDA vice-president of visitor services. “The VISIT FLORIDA Certified Tourism Information Center Program is focused on presenting a consistent Florida message and a quality Florida experience for all visitors to the Sunshine State.”
To become an official Florida CTIC, visitor centers must meet requirements specified by VISIT FLORIDA, such as: centers must be a VISIT FLORIDA Partner, centers must be open year-round at a minimum of five days per week, centers must be located in a convenient and accessible location for the ease of travelers, and centers must have access to parking and restroom facilities to accommodate visitors including persons with disabilities.
“We are very happy to be included in this prestigious roster of new VISIT FLORIDA CTICs from across the state. With our team of volunteer tourism ambassadors greeting nearly 300,000 vacationers annually, this provides an extra layer of service excellence to our visitors,” Judi Durant, director of VCB visitor services said. “It is a pleasure to be recognized as an official CTIC welcome center in this program with our Lee County partners, the Edison Ford & Winter Estates and the Sanibel-Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce.”
All Florida CTICs receive additional benefits from the program, including: a brochure display at all VISIT FLORIDA Welcome Centers, vacation guides, Florida state maps, certification signage and access to a state of Florida network with other tourism professionals. In addition, statewide Information specialist certification is being offered to all employees at a Florida CTIC.
For additional information about VCB visitor services, contact Judi Durant at JDurant@leegov.com.
Visit www.fortmyers-sanibel.com for information on The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, which includes Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral, Pine Island, Boca Grande & outer islands, North Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres.