FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 28, 2017) – Lee County hosted a record number of 139 amateur sporting events in 2016, generating its highest year on record in terms of economic impact. According to figures released from Lee County Sports Development, the year generated
$67.1 million in direct visitor spending, a 9 percent increase from the previous year.

Hosting 24 additional events in 2016, the year brought 147,463 sports visitors to Lee County, resulting in 157,079 hotel room nights sold. The figures were announced at a recent meeting of the Lee County Tourist Development Council.

“Lee County continues to serve as a leading destination within the sports tourism industry, bringing a variety of amateur sporting events to the members of our community and greatly impacting our local economy,”
said Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass, who serves as the Lee Board of County Commissioners’ liaison to the Tourist Development Council and chairs the TDC.