Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades, known as Florida�s �Paradise CoastSM� shows no evidence of hurricane damage � a remarkable situation given that a record-setting four hurricanes affected the state this summer.

All of the area�s hotels, resorts, beaches, golf courses and attractions are open, with no debris or damage to mar the beautiful views along the area�s white sand Gulf of Mexico beaches and into the natural wilderness of the Everglades. For the latest news about the destination, log on to www.ParadiseCoast.com.

�Since Hurricane Charley visited in August we have been working hard to communicate to the rest of the country and the world that we are undamaged and open for business,� said Jack Wert of the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention and Visitors Bureau. �It�s tough to compete with the news about the more heavily affected areas, but we can assure all of our loyal customers that their Paradise Coast looks just as beautiful as it did before.�

The northern portion of Naples experienced some minor damage from Hurricane Charley in August, all of which was cleaned up and repaired within days. Naples, Marco Island and Everglades City then served as a safe haven for evacuees during Hurricanes Frances, Ivan and Jeanne.

Hotels went the extra mile to provide extra care and service as each storm made its way through the state. The Ritz-Carlton, Naples turned its venerable Night Club, normally a haven for jazz enthusiasts, into the ultimate sports bar for evacuees from southeast Florida during Hurricane Jeanne, which brought rainy skies and blustery winds to Naples last weekend. The staff brought in big screen televisions and billiards tables and served an All American Buffet complete with Buffalo wings, hot dogs and jumbo pretzels. The hotel created a children�s carnival for the sold out crowd during Hurricane Frances and also offered cooking and etiquette classes along with wine tastings for the adults. Guest Dale Moses of Miami, Fla. commented, �Considering the circumstances of my visit (Hurricane Frances), your staff could not have been more accommodating. Thank you for making my stay a memorable one.�

Indeed, the summer of 2004 has been unforgettable, and remarkable. Max Mayfield, director of the National Hurricane Center, stated, �To have four strong hurricanes hit the same state, in the same year, is almost unheard of. The last time four hurricanes hit the same state was in 1886 in Texas. I doubt very seriously if it will happen again, at least not in my lifetime.�

Travel to the greater Naples area is open via Interstate 75 and by air. Southwest Florida International Airport is open and flight schedules are normal. The airport�s new terminal is on schedule for a Spring 2005 opening, bringing increased gate capacity and enhanced air service. Naples Airport is fully open, and will welcome new nonstop jet service between Naples and Delta�s largest hub in Atlanta with three flights daily on Delta Connection carrier Atlantic Southeast Airlines beginning November 15, 2004.

For a free copy of �Welcome to Florida�s Last Paradise,� the area�s Official Visitors Guide, call 1-800-688-3600.

The Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention and Visitors Bureau is the official tourism marketing agency for Collier County, Florida, funded entirely by the Collier County tourist development tax. The CVB provides information and free visitors guides for consumers, travel agents, tour operators and meeting planners online at www.ParadiseCoast.com or by calling 1-800-688-3600.

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Media contact: JoNell Modys jonellmodys@colliergov.net; 239-403-2425 www.ParadiseCoast.com