Red carpet night for Fort Myers Islands, Beaches & Neighborhoods at TIFF

TORONTO — Fort Myers Islands, Beaches & Neighborhoods rolled out the red carpet, literally, at its travel industry event last night with a post-event after-party at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

Once again the popular Florida destination was one of the sponsors for the Hello! Canada x Toronto Life Magazine Hollywood North Party, in partnership with Rogers.

Another sponsor, The Sutton Place Hotel Toronto, played host with its beautiful new property on King St. West, steps from the TIFF Lightbox.

It was a full circle moment, as The Sutton Place in its former location on Bay St. was the go-to spot for TIFF celebrities before the film festival moved to King West.

TIFF’s Hollywood North party took place at the beautiful new location of The Sutton Place Hotel Toronto, on King Street West just steps from the TIFF Lightbox

“FORT MYERS BEACH LOOKS FANTASTIC”

The night got started with Fort Myers Islands, Beaches & Neighborhoods’ cocktail reception at nearby Le Germain Hotel.

These may be challenging times for U.S. tourism, but visitation to Fort Myers was up 5.5% January – June 2025.

“Let’s keep it going, let’s make this a great fall,” said Jeanette Faria, Product Manager, Fort Myers Islands, Beaches & Neighborhoods and part of the VoX International team, which represents Fort Myers Islands, Beaches & Neighborhoods in Canada.

Faria noted that Fort Myers is well-known and much-loved for many things, from golf, to the Island Hopper Songwriting Fest, to Sanibel Island, known as the seashell capital of the world.

Most of all, Fort Myers is famous for its beaches. “Great news, Fort Myers has completely finished its beach restoration with 1 million cubic yards of sand. Fort Myers Beach looks fantastic,” said Faria.

The destination has not one, not two, but three airlines offering lift from the Canadian market. “We want to say thank you to Air Canada, WestJet and Porter for their fantastic service,” said Faria.

Fort Myers and surrounding areas include Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel & Captiva islands, Boca Grande & Outer Islands, Pine Island, Matlacha, Cape Coral, North Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, Alva, Buckingham, and Lehigh Acres.

HOTEL NEWS & MORE

Here’s a look at the latest news from Fort Myers Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods …

Sanibel Island is opening its first new hotel in 40 years. Shalimar Beach Resort is planning a soft opening on Sept. 28 as the first Sanibel Island resort to be completely rebuilt, post-Hurricane Ian. The new construction, 33-room resort, will offer Gulf-front studios, one- and two-bedroom villas. Reservations are available for stays beginning October 2025. The property was built with hurricane resiliency in mind: impact doors, windows, walls, roof structure. Buildings are 6 feet above the base flood elevation. More than 500 concrete pilings are installed below the foundation. With sensitivity to the natural environment, turtle lighting has been installed for protection during nesting season.
Sun Splash Family Waterpark in Cape Coral has opened Paradise Cove, a US$4 million wave pool. The 12,000-square-foot pool features seven wave patterns and varying intensities. In addition, a 16-foot movie screen will be added for dive-in movies and other events.
A multimillion-dollar renovation of meeting and event space is underway at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa. With completion this fall, the renovation complements recent updates to its rooms, waterpark and restaurants.
The Island Hopper Songwriter Fest is back for its 11th year with dozens of BMI songwriters set to play against the tropical island backdrop of Fort Myers’ islands, beaches and neighbourhoods. Singer-songwriters who have penned hits for such artists as Eric Church, Faith Hill, Grand Funk Railroad, Harry Connick Jr., Jake Owen, Jason Aldean and LoCash will perform at multiple venues, Sept. 19-28. More than 60 singer-songwriters will perform over 80 performances during the 10-day music fest.
South Seas Island Resort has reopened its amenities including pools, restaurants, golf and fitness centre. Villa-style accommodations are available and a new water feature is scheduled for a December opening.
Best Western Plus Beach Resort has renovated the beachfront property and reopened. Suites, rooms, a private beach, complimentary breakfast, heated pool, watersports and pet-friendly accommodation are available.
Jensen’s Twin Palm Resort and Marina, popular since its opening in 1977, the vacation and fishing spot with direct access to Pine Island Sound, is welcoming visitors.
Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts purchased the property formerly known as Beachview Cottages, a 22-unit condo property that was destroyed by Hurricane Ian. Plans are underway to rebrand the new building as White Pelican Villas, with 22 units in three buildings tied together with a shared, covered walkway. The resort is farther back from the beach and plans to open early 2026.

For more destination information see VisitFortMyers.com.

Expedia’s Raina Williams and Air Canada’s Viktor Spysak at the Hollywood North party as guests of Fort Myers Islands, Beaches & Neighbourhoods