Visit Sarasota County on Thursday reported growth in tourist visitation and spending, hotel occupancy and room rates and consumer satisfaction during the months of July, August and September. According to a press release issued by the organization, during the three-month period, Sarasota County saw a 3.1 percent increase in visitors staying in paid lodging and a 4.2 percent increase in visitor spending when compared to the same time period last year. Hotel occupancy increased 2.1 percent and hotel room rates increased 2.6 percent, and customer satisfaction rates grew from 89 percent in 2015 to 95 percent. The area also experienced a spike in the number of visitors with children, growing from 33 percent in summer 2015 to 42 percent this summer.