LEE COUNTY, FL – The Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB) is assisting area tourism businesses with one of the most popular trends in the consumer travel market, "travel packaging," at a free "Mini-Market Place," at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fort Myers, July 8, 2 p.m.

Lodging properties, attractions, cultural and arts groups, restaurants, transportation companies, and other tourism-related businesses and organizations are invited to attend.  The goal is to collaborate and create value-added packages in order to entice visitors to Lee County. 

Prior to the event, tourism representatives are encouraged to decide the time of year (season, months, days of the week) when business is especially needed and packages would be beneficial.  For example, value-added packages could aid in attracting visitors during this summer and fall, as well as the upcoming 2009 winter season.  Key markets  along with desired customers must be identified, and a list of themed packages should be developed, such as themes, trends, traditions, events, and more.

At the Mini-Market Place participants will engage in discussions with their pre-determined, prospective partners, with topics including package ideas, their services, and special net rates.  Ideally, selected partners should be market-ready, and can sell, reserve, confirm, and deliver their product.  Participants will draft itineraries of their packages with highlights, dates of availability, and prices per person. 

These packages will then receive exposure on the Web sites of the VCB and participating businesses, as well as other publicity initiatives.

To R.S.V.P. for this free event, e-mail LeeVCB@leegov.com .