LORI Boosts Lake O Tourism Efforts

What do Belle Glade, Clewiston, Pahokee, Moore Haven and South Bay have in common – the splendid shores of Lake Okeechobee. Lake O unites these cities geographically and economically. From its inception, the Lake Okeechobee Regional Initiative (LORI) understood the value of Lake O and ecotourism to the communities along its southern shores.

"We want to help the stakeholders in the area understand that their economic destiny is tied to one another and that, collectively, each community stands to gain if the entire region remains united," said Philip Bacon, the Collins Center's vice president for neighborhood and regional initiatives.

In 2010, LORI formed a tourism subcommittee of local citizens committed to: developing the region as a rural tourism destination; increasing tourism and hotel revenue; spurring new economic development; creating brand awareness of Lake Okeechobee; increasing attendance at attractions, festivals and events; growing target audience engagement with the region; and driving traffic to a tourism website.

Last fall LORI unveiled the first phase of its ecotourism brand as the "Southern Shores of Lake Okeechobee: Gateway to the Everglades."

"Our task on the tourism subcommittee has been unique and exciting as this region is primarily agricultural," said Zina El Daghar, of Canal Point Community Development. "Being part of this team has enhanced my appreciation for the lake."

Driven by aggressive objectives, the subcommittee was able to design a regional logo, tourism brochure and a first-class video promoting the lake. A tourism website was launched and has attracted visitors from across Florida and places as far as Russia.

Since the unveiling in 2010, LORI's tourism push has shifted into second gear. The tourism site has been redesigned and now includes low-cost advertising opportunities. LORI has also worked with VISIT FLORIDA to place brochures at Florida welcome centers throughout the state. The Southern Shores brochures can also be found along Florida's Turnpike, in airports in Fort Myers and West Palm Beach, Sports Authority and Bass Fishing Outlets locations throughout Florida and Georgia, more than 350 restaurants, motels, businesses, and attractions in Southwest Florida.

LORI also partnered with the Scott Martin Challenge to bring state and national attention to Lake O and its surrounding communities. The tourism video currently runs during the show to promote the region as an outdoors paradise.During the spring festival season, the Southern Shores marketing team set up tourism booths at the Chalo Nitka Festival in Moore Haven, Loop the Lake for Literacy, Black Gold Jubilee in Belle Glade and the Clewiston Sugar Festival.

For travelers who don't know how to find the lake, T-shirts with the logo and website have been designed with the slogan, "Where do you go to find Lake O?" These shirts allow local citizens and tourists to sport their Lake O pride everywhere. Shirts are available for purchase on the tourism website.

Support the Southern Shores today. Link www.lakeobigwater.com to your business or city website or use the brochure to promote the great region around the lake.