More tourists flocked to Lee County in May

FORT MYERS BEACH — Revenues at hotels in Lee County rose 17% in May as the tourism season continued to see increased room occupancies.

Revenue per available room, an important gauge of hotel financial performance that combines occupancies and rates, rose to $68.61 in May compared with $58.62 in the same month in 2012, according to data from Smith Travel for the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau.

In May, the average occupancy at hotels in Lee County rose 12.2% to 58.4% from 52.1% in May 2012. The average daily room rate rose 4.2% in May to $117.52, up from $112.41 in the same month one year ago.

The data show hoteliers have been able to increase room rates as demand surged through the spring. The traditional spring season usually lasts through April, so a strong month of May is a positive indicator for stronger summer bookings.