I wanted to take a moment to let everyone know that there is no oil on our beaches here in Naples! 

With all the coverage lately showing oil coming ashore in other areas of the Gulf of Mexico, it is important that we get the word out that Collier County has not seen any of it yet on our coastline.  In fact, the Naples Daily News reported that the county’s summer marketing campaign has focused on the message that the beaches are clean and the county is open for business.  According to Collier County’s Tourism Director, Jack Wert, surveys have shown that the the “unspoiled environment” and the “white, sandy beaches” were the most influential factors bringing visitors to our area lately.

Stated in a recent report given to County Commissioners:

• “There were 111,700 visitors staying in hotels or other short-term rentals last month, up 3.9 percent from 107,500 in May 2009.”
• “Hotel occupancy rose 2.3 percent in May, compared to the same month a year ago.”
• “The total economic impact of tourism reached nearly $98.3 million last month, up 5.4 from a year ago.”

Even with the above positive statistics related to tourism, I think there is some concern that exists out there about vacationing on Florida beaches in general.  People have to be told explicitely that our area is fine; otherwise, they assume our beaches look like the ones they are seeing on the national news.

Make sure to spread the word!