Aug 30, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                August 30, 2007

CONTACTS: Nancy Hamilton, Lee Rose (239) 338-3500

Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau receives

prestigious Destiny Award for water quality program

            LEE COUNTY, FL -   The Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB), representing The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in southwest Florida, has earned a prestigious 2007 Destiny Award for Marketing Programs and Special Projects from the National Council of Destination Organizations (NCDO), an industry council of the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA).

The award -- presented at TIA's annual Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations (ESTO) in Phoenix, AZ, earlier this week – honors the VCB's LeeWaterFacts educational program regarding the area's water quality issues. Since TIA presents just three Destiny awards each year and only one in the special projects category, the award is highly coveted by destination marketing organizations.

"We're elated to be the only destination chosen to receive this year's coveted Destiny award for special projects," said Suya Davenport, the VCB's new executive director. "The honor recognizes the VCB's commitment to sustainable tourism, and it reinforces the importance of our advocacy work to affect better water quality for visitors and residents alike."

The LeeWaterFacts program honored by the award consists of the Web site www.LeeWaterFacts.com and supporting advertising and communication initiatives. The ongoing program aims to raise public awareness about water issues and encourage local community involvement by residents to affect regional changes. The dedicated Web site averages 38 sessions and nearly 60 page views per day.

NCDO's Destiny Awards have a two-fold purpose – to recognize members for excellence and creative accomplishments in travel marketing and promotion and to foster the development of imaginative and innovative destination marketing promotion programs and activities. Awards are given in two broad categories of marketing programs and special projects, with the latter including work such as development initiatives, tourism awareness activities, educational and training programs, crisis management, and socially responsible efforts. In selecting winners, judges look for evidence of creativity, innovation, and results.

For additional information on The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, visit www.FortMyersSanibel.com.

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EDITOR'S NOTE: The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in southwest Florida includes: Sanibel & Captiva islands, Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral, Pine Island, Boca Grande & Outer islands, North Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres.

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