This the latest update from Lee County Port Authority, courtesy Mr Brian Solis

More flights into RSW making this airport more popular than ever

American Airlines

American will add a 4th daily flight to Chicago-O’Hare (ORD) starting February 9.

American Eagle 

American Eagles daily nonstop service to Miami will cease operating on January 30.

Cape Air 

Cape Air operates 6 daily flights to Key West. This is double the service Cape Air offered in 2011 to the Conch Republic. Currently they are offering $99 one-way fares.

Delta Air Lines 

Delta will be increasing capacity on their 3 daily flights to New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) on March 25. Currently they are operating a 70 seat Embraer 170 regional jet, Delta will upgrade the service to 142 seat MD-88 aircraft, more than doubling capacity on this route.

United/Continental 

United/Continental will add seasonal 737-800 service to Chicago-O’Hare (ORD) starting February 16. Service will be operated using a Continental aircraft. This is in addition to the 3 daily flights United Express currently offers

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines will inaugurate daily nonstop service to Hartford, Connecticut (BDL) and Providence, Rhode Island (PVD) starting February 12.

Universal Vacations, said This is the action we have been calling for, this will go a long way in promoting travel to the United States

WASHINGTON, DC – In a first for the U.S., President Barack Obama today announced a national strategy
on travel and tourism to boost travel in the United States. The U.S. travel
industry is a cornerstone of the U.S. economy, representing 1.8 trillion in
economic output and supporting 14 million American jobs.

Gary Young, President of Universal Vacations, said This is the action we have been
calling for, this will go a long way in promoting travel to the United States, the
Visa processing changes will significantly increase inbound travel from South
America and China.

According to a WhiteHouse statement,
today’s announcement calls for a national strategy to make the United States
the world’s top travel and tourism destination, as part of a comprehensive
effort to spur job creation. The number of travelers from emerging economies
with growing middle classes – such as China, Brazil, and India – is projected
to grow by 135%, 274% and 50% respectively by 2016 when compared to 2010.

President Obama will also sign an Executive Order and charge several government agencies
to take part in efforts and new initiatives to significantly increase travel.

Universal Vacations, a Fort Myers based company with offices along Florida’s Gulf Coast including
Bradenton, Fort Myers Beach and Naples has partnered with the U.S. Travel
Association to increase travel to and within the United States. Continue reading “Universal Vacations joins the U.S. Travel Association in Applauding National Strategy to Boost Travel and Tourism” »

The Murder Mystery Dinner Train - Your journey includes an elegant 5 course dinner, comical show & nostalgic train ride

In November 1987, Seminole Gulf Railway (SGLR) acquired 118 miles of CSX trackage between North Naples and Arcadia, as well as, between Oneco (Bradenton) and Sarasota. SGLR now hauls much of the region’s building materials, newsprint, LP gas, plastics, stone, recycled materials, steel, and other commodities. The railroad owns and manages a fleet of railcars rolling throughout North America. SGLR also helps clients with industrial development services.

In addition to providing traditional rail freight transportation, Seminole Gulf’s related companies provide other vital supply chain solutions for Southwest Florida, including regional trucking and logistical services, as well as warehousing and distribution from its 1.6 million cubic foot, frozen, refrigerated food and dry goods distribution center located in North Fort Myers.

While Seminole Gulf Railway began operating freight trains in 1987, In January 1991, the Fay Family and Seminole Gulf Railway opened The Dinner Train, followed shortly by the commencement of daytime excursion trains. Soon thereafter, the Dinner Train began its first Murder Mystery Production, “Murder on the Seminole Express” which became an instant success. Other popular trips followed, such as the Christmas Rail/Boat Trip to Punta Gorda that has become an annual event for many guests. Over the past two decades, The Murder Mystery Dinner Train has hosted over 1/2 million patrons and has premiered over 65 new murder mystery productions. The train seats up to 200 passengers in four reconditioned vintage railcars from the 1930’s to the 1950’s, “Sanibel”, “Marco”, “Gasparilla” and “Captiva”. All food is prepared fresh daily on board the train in the “Marco” kitchen, and brought to your table by our dedicated staff. Continue reading “A great night out on the Murder Mystery Train in Fort Myers” »