Building the Case for Sports Tourism in Southwest Florida
Victus Advisors conducts a facility expansion study to assess demand, economic impact, and long-term tourism potential for Lee County Sports Development.
Client
Lee County (Fla.) Sports Development
Sector
Community Recreation & Sports Tourism
Project
Sports Tourism Facility Expansion Study
Year
2017
Client Challenge
Lee County sought to expand its sports tourism infrastructure to accommodate growing demand, enhance economic impact, and compete with other regional and national sports destinations. The county needed an independent analysis to identify market opportunities, evaluate current facility inventory and determine necessary expansions.
Approach
Victus Advisors conducted a comprehensive market study including demographic and socioeconomic analysis of Lee County and peer sports tourism markets. We evaluated existing baseball, softball, soccer and aquatics venues and assessed facility utilization and market gaps. Through stakeholder interviews, focus groups and event organizer surveys, we captured detailed input on unmet needs and opportunities. We then modeled the economic and fiscal impacts of various expansion scenarios, including projected room nights, visitor spending and job creation.
Benefits to Client
The study provided Lee County with data-backed recommendations for strategic facility expansion. Projections showed that new baseball/softball and multi-use fields could generate more than $2.3 billion in economic impact over 30 years, create 653 new jobs annually and drive over 2 million additional room nights. The findings helped position Lee County as a premier destination for youth and amateur sports, supporting long-term tourism and economic development goals.