Program to drive eco-tourists to local businesses
Lee County is looking for Southwest Florida businesses interested in driving eco-tourists to their doors this fall by joining the Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival’s VIP Wristband Program.
The program involves businesses offering something to people who walk in their door between Oct. 23 and Nov. 1 the dates of the annual Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival wearing one of the festival’s recycled plastic blue wristbands. Festival goers will purchase the bands from Lee County Parks & Recreation facilities and other sites.
When visitors arrive at a participating business wearing a band, the business provides its added-value offer, such as a free cup of coffee, a percentage off a purchase or a reduced admission price.
Businesses will have their logo and address in the local festival guide and on www.CalusaBluewayPaddlingFestival.com. They also will be given a blueway banner to hang prior to and during the festival. In return, businesses will tally the number of wrist-band wearers they serve during the 10-day festival.
To get involved, call festival co-coordinator John Kiseda at (239) 432-2163 or e-mail kisedajb@leegov.com. The deadline is Aug. 31.
The Calusa Blueway is a 190-mile marked paddling trail in Lee County’s coastal and inland waterways. The fourth-annual festival celebrates the trail at various waterfront parks and sites, branding Southwest Florida as a national year-round paddling and eco-tourism destination. Activities include races, fishing tournament, eco-festivities, geocaching, hospitality events and guided kayak/canoe trips. Details are at www.CalusaBluewayPaddlingFestival.com or by calling (239) 433-3855.