Gulf And 'Glades Destinations Join To Offer 'Unspoiled Florida'

The resorts of Florida's Naples-Collier County area have launched a new marketing strategy under the direction of a recently formed convention and visitors bureau, called the Greater Naples, Marco Island and Everglades CVB.

"We are a natural fit for incentive groups because of our great upscale hotels and our beaches, and the incentive market is one of our fastest-growing market segments," said JoNell Modys, spokeswoman and event planner for the nascent CVB. The area will begin marketing itself as the Paradise Coast of Florida, with a new website, www.paradisecoast.com.

"We've got two Ritz-Carltons and a number of other excellent upscale resorts, but we've been off the radar screen for a lot of planners in the past," Modys said. "When we get them here and they see all we have, they are almost shocked that we have all these great venues they didn't know about."

Aiding the new effort is Debi DeBenedetto, the CVB's new tourism industry sales and marketing manager. Formerly general manager at Naples' Hotel Escalante, she is now the primary contact for meeting planners booking business in Collier County.

Jack Wert, executive director of the CVB, which celebrated its first anniversary in business in December, said a key target audience is any group seeking the "unspoiled Florida" experience.

"The new brand identity conveys that Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades is truly Florida's last paradise, and that the tropical escape, serenity through nature and relaxing beachside fun our target audience is seeking can best be found here," Wert said.