Naples-area businesses preparing for record July Fourth crowds

Naples hotels and area attractions are preparing for what many think will be a strong several days, all the way through July Fourth on Tuesday.

AAA forecasts that a record-breaking 44.2 million Americans will travel during the upcoming four-day (for many) holiday weekend. That would be almost 1.3 million more travelers than last year. 

The predicted number of travelers across the country this weekend could mean good news for Collier County businesses. 

"Based on past experience, Fourth of July is a very popular weekend, and it seems to be regardless of when in the week it falls," said Jack Wert, executive director of the Collier County tourism bureau. "From all indications, this Fourth of July will be no different."

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Collier hotels are anticipating more guests than usual this weekend, thinking many travelers will use a personal day Monday for a four-day vacation.

"I think a lot of people are saying things are good and we’re going to take that trip," said Charles Mullins, director of sales and marketing at the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club. 

"We are seeing a last-minute push that may translate to more visitors this weekend," Mullins said.

Although weekends are typically busy at the Naples hotel, Mullins said the July Fourth holiday brings more local residents to the area for fireworks and other events. 

“Because we are such a popular destination, people will come towards us, especially on that Tuesday for fireworks,” Mullins said. “We always expect on holiday weekends like this that we will have people rushing us and our beach bar.”

The La Playa Beach & Golf Resort in North Naples is preparing for the weekend by making sure areas of the hotel are fully staffed, such as with butlers near the beach and pool areas.

“We are expecting a very strong weekend starting on Friday and going through Wednesday morning,” said Marco Perry, La Playa Beach & Golf Resort general manager.

"If we're going to sell the last few rooms, it will be last-minute," Perry said. "People are likely standing by and seeing what the weather will be like. What better place to spend the weekend than Naples?"

Naples Zoo staff are hopeful that county residents and visitors will take advantage of events at the zoo this weekend.

Collier residents can receive free zoo admission Saturday with proof of residency until 4 p.m. And from Sunday through Tuesday, visitors to the zoo can meet Captain America and Iron Man.

"We always anticipate crowds for free Saturday, and then having an event bringing in Captain America and Iron Man, for visitors coming to the area, that’s an added value," said Courtney Jolly, director of marketing and public relations for the Naples Zoo. 

To prepare for the potentially large numbers of people this weekend, Jolly said, the zoo will have Collier County sheriff's deputies for additional security and will bring on extra park attendants to roam the zoo. 

"We’re always prepared to take care of the animals; that’s our job," Jolly said. "We bring on those extra people to just help man the zoo and to make sure everything is operating to guests' satisfaction."

The Sun-N-Fun Lagoon in North Naples also plans to be ready for a busy weekend. On long weekends, operations coordinator Roy Burns said, the park anticipates crowds of 2,200 to 2,300, who often are visitors from areas such as Miami who don't want to be on a crowded beach. A typical weekend crowd is about 1,000 at Sun-N-Fun Lagoon, Burns said.

To accommodate a large crowd, the water park will have extra staff available, especially cashiers and lifeguards, Burns said. 

"We are always busy on holidays when people can enjoy those extended weekends," he said. 

This weekend is expected to bring an increase in travelers across the country, but comparison site GasBuddy is projecting the national average gas price on Independence Day will be the lowest since July Fourth 2005 and lower than prices were on New Year's Day. The AAA auto club expects 37.5 million people will drive this weekend. 

GasBuddy on Wednesday reported the average price per gallon in Naples was $2.30 per gallon. That was higher than the state average of $2.17 and the national average of $2.25. But the Naples average on Wednesday was lower than last week's average of $2.32, last month's average of $2.37 and the average price of $2.39 at the start of the year, according to GasBuddy.