Naples business owners seek solutions amid low tourist turnout

NAPLES, Fla.—Naples is bustling with snowbird season, and the return of the St. Patrick's Day Parade is expected to bring a boost to local tourism. 

However, some business owners are facing challenges despite the influx of visitors.

Barbara Weiss, an art consultant at Eydel Fine Arts, expressed that the situation feels different this year.

"It's just changed. It just feels different," said Weiss.

Business owners on the popular Fifth Avenue are struggling with a noticeable drought in foot traffic.

"I've been spending a lot of money on advertising, and it hasn't been making a difference, because there just aren't the numbers. There aren't any Canadians here. Europeans are not coming," said business owner Heather Neils.

Weiss, who has been part of the Naples community for nearly nine years, noticed the slower pace.

"It seems to me a lot slower. I've been here for going on 9 years, and I noticed it too. I don't know if people are going home or they're just not traveling," said Weiss.

The tourist development tax revenue for 2025 was just over $4.2 million.

Weiss highlighted the importance of hosting more events to attract international travelers and boost business success.

"I think we as a whole, as a city, we have to offer more things, more fun things, even for the people that live here all the time, and I think that would help tremendously to get us out," said Weiss.

Neils agreed and emphasized the need for more shopping opportunities and better parking solutions.

"Because people need to be able to park, or they just don't even bother," said Neils. "We need to build some more parking structures, or, you know, areas where we can park."

The business owners hope for solutions that will increase foot traffic and improve the shopping experience in Naples.