Over 75 Charlotte County tourism representatives, elected officials and regional airport and tourism leaders attended the event, which was held in celebration of National Tourism Week.

Charlotte County Tourist Development Council chairman Tom D�Aprile praised Tourism Director Becky Bovell for her leadership and guidance since taking over the visitor�s bureau just prior to September 11 last year.  �On behalf of the Charlotte County TDC and Board of County Commissioners, I want to thank Becky Bovell for her insight and leadership in elevating the Charlotte County Visitor�s Bureau to a new standard with it�s increased organization and marketing programs.�

2002 Tourism Awards

Bovell hosted the event and announced the winners of the 2002 Charlotte County Visitor�s Bureau Tourism Awards.  �It is important to recognize industry members whose daily efforts contribute to the success of Charlotte County�s tourism industry and we are pleased to begin this annual program with three well-deserving recipients of the 2002 awards,� said Bovell.

The Promotional Award, honoring an individual or organization whose efforts consistently contribute to the successful promotion of Charlotte County as a tourist destination went to the Florida International Airshow, the only airshow in the country produced annually by a corps of volunteers.  Florida International Airshow president Bucky McQueen accepted the award.

The Hospitality Award, honoring an individual whose exceptional customer service and personal attention consistently and positively influence a visitor�s experience, went to Captain Marian Schneider, founder and president of Grande Tours, Inc.  Schneider was recognized for her consummate skills as a true tourism ambassador whose efforts positively impact a visitor�s experience.

The Achievement Award, honoring an individual whose outstanding, long-term commitment to tourist development in Charlotte County has contributed significantly to the success of the industry, went to Deborah Weston, owner of Englewood�s Weston�s Resort and a charter board member of the TDC, for her active role in the Charlotte County tourism industry for the past 15 years.

Tourism Revenue

Charlotte County�s tourism revenue collections for 2001 were on the upswing prior to the September 11 terrorism attacks.  The total tourist tax revenue for fiscal year 2001 (October 2000-September 2001) was $1,300,580, an increase of 13.4% over the previous year.

Charlotte County has been quick to rebound from the effects of the September 11, having already seen an increase for February and March 2002 tourist tax revenues over 2001.  February 2002 tourist tax revenue increased 7.2% ($206, 598 for Feb. 2001 and $221,463 for Feb. 2002); and March increased 2.1% ($278,477 for March 2001 and $284,393 for March 2002).    

Tourism Director Becky Bovell credits the bureau�s quick marketing response targeting the drive market for Charlotte County�s steady recovery.  �We reacted immediately after September 11 to market Charlotte County as a safe, affordable, value-added drive destination with good weather, stress relief and relaxation,� said Bovell.

Charlotte Harbor & The Gulf Islands is one of Florida�s best-kept secrets. Charlotte Harbor is located 50 miles south of Sarasota.