Will They Come? Gulf Coast Under Seige - By John Hendrie
President Obama addressed the nation Tuesday evening on the oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, identifying accountability and the framework of a battle plan to tackle the devastation to our fragile eco-system, food sources and the livelihoods of the residents there.
The 24 hour news cycle has kept America fixated on the growth and path of the oil spill in the Gulf, resources have been mobilized, BP vilified yet the oil continues to spew. We have never faced a catastrophe of this nature. The Tourism Industry is in shock and surprisingly quiet, even with the President promoting the area.
The Gulf Region has experienced its share of natural disasters this decade with the string of hurricanes in 2004 and particularly, Katrina. The hurricanes damaged the infrastructure of Hospitality - blowing down buildings, sweeping away businesses, rampaging through or seeping into every pore. But, Gulf Coast Destinations and communities rebuilt, ready to welcome again Visitors to their areas and cities. This is different, though, for the reasons that folks travel to the Gulf – the shores, beaches, waters – are imperiled.
Economic relief has been intensified for those frontline Hospitality businesses (lodgings, restaurants, entertainment and recreation). But, what about the next tier out, those providers to the industry, like car rentals, purveyors, pool cleaners, etc. The trickle down effect is frightening, and BP simply cannot subsidize the entire economy of the Gulf.
This is exactly the time for State Tourism Commissions, trade associations, travel web sites – all forms of communication and influence – to keep the public informed, and that Public is smart and resourceful, so the information must be accurate and forthright. This is also the time for major companies to support Gulf businesses. A hearty “shout out” to Hilton, for example, with their “Beach Satisfaction Guarantee”. More need to roar!
