Tourism officials say Charlotte County is positioned for a strong rebound in fiscal year 2026, with early indicators pointing to increased visitor activity and solid lodging demand in the months ahead.
Sean Doherty, director of tourism for the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau, is scheduled to present a first-quarter fiscal year 2026 tourism forecast to Charlotte County commissioners Feb. 10. The outlook is expected to be robust, following a year shaped in part by storm-related disruptions.
During the presentation, Doherty will review findings from Downs & St. Germain detailing the economic impact of visitors to Charlotte County. In fiscal year 2025, which ended Sept. 30, the county welcomed 1,132,300 visitors who generated a total economic impact of $1.26 billion. It marked the fourth time the county’s tourism impact has surpassed the $1 billion threshold.
That activity translated into significant savings for residents. Visitor spending reduced the average household tax burden by more than $865, according to the analysis. Visitors spent $850.5 million on accommodations, dining, groceries, transportation, attractions, entertainment and shopping, while generating a net tax benefit of $34.7 million.
Tourism also remains a major driver of local employment. For every 105 visitors, one local job is supported. In fiscal year 2025, tourism supported 10,740 jobs and generated nearly $368 million in wages and salaries.
Powerboats race off Englewood Beach during Waterfest, one of several major events tourism officials say helps drive visitor spending and support Charlotte County’s projected rebound in fiscal year 2026.
Englewood Beach Waterfest
Doherty noted that visitor totals in fiscal year 2025 were down 1.2% from the previous year, a decline largely attributed to the lingering effects of hurricanes that struck in September and October 2024.
“While we ended slightly down this past fiscal year, I can say we’re very optimistic for 2026 to be a nice rebound year,” Doherty said. He added that lodging partners have reported strong advance room bookings, a trend also reflected in vacation rental data.
The Visitor & Convention Bureau is awaiting the first-quarter fiscal year 2026 report, which will reflect visitor spending tied to major events, such as Englewood Beach Waterfest, held Oct. 9–12, and the Florida International Air Show, which took place Nov. 1–2.
Throughout the year, Charlotte County hosts a wide range of sporting events and festivals, including basketball, baseball, BMX, pickleball and swimming competitions, as well as the Fourth-Fest Fireworks at Laishley Park. Fishermen’s Village also draws visitors year-round with its slate of special events, shopping, dining and marina access.
Cruise tourism has become an increasingly important component of the county’s visitor economy. American Cruise Lines first began calling on Punta Gorda on Dec. 25, 2023, anchoring in the Peace River and ferrying passengers to Fishermen’s Village.
The stop proved popular enough that the company added a second ship in December 2024 to its eight-day “Florida Gulf Coast & Keys” itinerary. In November 2025, which falls in fiscal year 2026, American Cruise Lines increased service to twice-weekly visits using four rotating ships. Cruises to Charlotte County run from late November through late March and are consistently sold out, according to the company.
Tourism officials say those trends, combined with strong lodging demand and a full calendar of events, point to a promising year ahead for Charlotte County.