Southwest Florida is making national headlines about red tide and blue-green algae. The coverage, combined with disturbing pictures, has kept Gulf Coast destinations top-of-mind in America.

The media has leaned toward sensationalism in the coverage, making little distinction between destinations in Charlotte, Lee or Collier Counties, which experience very different red tide conditions.

Our local newspapers and tourism organizations have been faithfully reporting the facts, and we suggest you visit these pages for real news on what is a temporary problem:

• Chad Gillis of the Naples Daily News examines the causes of red tide and why it's so strong. Link.
• The ParadiseCoast.com website, operated by the CVB, keeps the facts straight on its home page. Link.
• Marco Island's JW Marriott has a live webcam trained on the beach to show guests enjoying the beautiful sand and water. Link.

Yes, some hotels are reporting cancellations. Keep reading ... 

Collier County tourism has had a healthy 2018 to-date. From January to June, occupancy was up, including by a whopping 17.4% from group business! Our average daily rate remained the state's top, which helps define our upscale profile. Tourist tax revenues increased and helped fund important marketing initiatives. The good news will be tempered by the temporary closing of the Ritz-Carlton beach resort due to its major renovation. Tourism leaders cautioned a slight drop in the months ahead as a result. Watch our newsletters for the latest facts and figures.

It's not too early to mark your calendar for the November 28 CCLTA Holiday Mixer, always a festive affair for friends and colleagues. This year, we'll celebrate the season at Marco Island's JR Marriott, which recently reopened after a major multi-million dollar refurbishment.

But hoteliers are creative and enterprising. They promote the incredible richness of our destination -- beyond the beach.

Guests have plenty to do and see in Collier County if they prefer to avoid the beach during red tide flareups.

Here are a few suggestions from our hotels for the visitors you meet:

Relax by fresh water, crystal-clear hotel pools and enjoy luxury poolside amenities.

Get out and explore natural Naples. The shaded pathways offer respite from the heat and a healthy dose of serenity and wellbeing. Check out Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary or the Naples Garden, to name just two.

Dining, of course, is our #2 attraction and the destination has never been so alive with local restaurants headed by innovative chefs. Even better, it's summer and that means specials offering attractive savings.

Wander our charming downtown areas of 5th Avenue South and Third Street South for unique sightseeing, shopping and dining.

Take a fun trolley tour to learn about Naples' interesting history. Visit museums and attend a concert -- culture is year-round in the Naples area.

Indulge in a spa experience or take one of the many yoga classes offered.

So, the next time you meet a visitor, please let them know about all the wonderful vacation opportunities that make our destination "paradise."