Contrary to some presumptive media reports, many areas in the Gulf region didn't suffer a tourism disaster as a result of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, in some cases because of marketing money provided by BP (NYSE:BP), as in Florida, tourism was up.
One of the major attractions in the region, New Orleans, said they had their best year since Katrina.
When asked about areas in Florida, reports the St. Petersburg Times said a number of respondents believed the beaches were still stained by oil, when in many cases no oil came anywhere near them.
The conclusion by some was they would probably go somewhere else for their next vacation. But April and June, across the overall state, Florida tourism was up by 3.4 percent.
There will always be mixed responses like this concerning disasters, but the reality is many areas are doing very well, no matter what responses are, and it remains to be seen if people even think much about BP and oil when making vacation plans next year.
Showing posts with label Florida tourism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Florida tourism. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
BP (NYSE:BP) Asked To Pay Millions More For Florida Tourism
BP (NYSE:BP) has already paid out millions to Florida for its tourism industry after the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, to deal with the misperceptions the beaches in the state were filled with oil.
That worked during the oil spill successfully, as tourism did very well over the duration of the oil spill in Florida. Now the state is asserting wrong perceptions still remain, and BP should pay to have that removed through advertising campaigns.
The problem is it's quite possible this is a recessionary slowdown and not related to BP at all.
Allegedly some surveys have potential tourists saying they still believe the Florida beaches are filled with oil, but the question that should be asked is whether or not they were going to vacation there in the first place as colder weather hits the nation.
As far as next summer, to ask those making vacation decisions on whether or not they'll come there next year doesn't make much sense. After nine months or so, most would have to think the beaches are are clean of debris and oil.
Either way, Florida has asked for another payment of $75 million to use for their advertising budget. I think this time around BP should say no, as they're increasingly being tapped to pay for budget shortfalls that are result of the ongoing recession and not necessarily the oil spill.
That worked during the oil spill successfully, as tourism did very well over the duration of the oil spill in Florida. Now the state is asserting wrong perceptions still remain, and BP should pay to have that removed through advertising campaigns.
The problem is it's quite possible this is a recessionary slowdown and not related to BP at all.
Allegedly some surveys have potential tourists saying they still believe the Florida beaches are filled with oil, but the question that should be asked is whether or not they were going to vacation there in the first place as colder weather hits the nation.
As far as next summer, to ask those making vacation decisions on whether or not they'll come there next year doesn't make much sense. After nine months or so, most would have to think the beaches are are clean of debris and oil.
Either way, Florida has asked for another payment of $75 million to use for their advertising budget. I think this time around BP should say no, as they're increasingly being tapped to pay for budget shortfalls that are result of the ongoing recession and not necessarily the oil spill.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
BP (NYSE:BP) Oil Says No To Florida's $50 Million Request
Florida's Governor, Charlie Crist asked BP (NYSE:BP) within the first month of the massive oil spill for $25 million to pay for advertising promoting how clean their beaches are, BP complied. Crist has asked BP for $50 million more two weeks ago, the company refused.
After the first $25 million was spent, tourism dropped anyway. Crist's main complaint is about how much money BP is using to promote themselves. He talked about how it appears the company is spending a lot on newspaper and television ads plugging their efforts on coping with the oil spill.
Looking annoyed and upset the governor said, " To say I'm disappointed would be an understatement." The state has lined up an expert legal team, " and we're ready if BP doesn't do the right thing." He didn't use the word lawsuit but did continue on saying, " We're trying to force them to do the right thing, like they say they're doing in there commercials."
According to Crist, the whole state has been tarred by the perception that their beaches are tainted. In reality, only 10 percent of Florida's beaches have actually seen any oil. The Panhandle beaches are the only ones that have seen tar balls, thick oil, or tar mats. He claims its destroying Florida's $65 million tourist industry.
After the first $25 million was spent, tourism dropped anyway. Crist's main complaint is about how much money BP is using to promote themselves. He talked about how it appears the company is spending a lot on newspaper and television ads plugging their efforts on coping with the oil spill.
Looking annoyed and upset the governor said, " To say I'm disappointed would be an understatement." The state has lined up an expert legal team, " and we're ready if BP doesn't do the right thing." He didn't use the word lawsuit but did continue on saying, " We're trying to force them to do the right thing, like they say they're doing in there commercials."
According to Crist, the whole state has been tarred by the perception that their beaches are tainted. In reality, only 10 percent of Florida's beaches have actually seen any oil. The Panhandle beaches are the only ones that have seen tar balls, thick oil, or tar mats. He claims its destroying Florida's $65 million tourist industry.
Friday, June 4, 2010
BP (NYSE:BP): Enviromental Site Assessment of Oil Spill Containment in Florida
The estimates were correct, BP's (NYSE:BP) oil had hit the white sand beaches of Florida as the sun was rising many were at the shorelines to see. There are many people in place keeping a close eye on the oil spill containment efforts as well as experts giving their environmental site assessment of the situation.
Health officials are saying to stay out of oily water and away from the oil on the shorelines. They did say that getting a little water polluted with the oil on the skin or even swallowing a little, does not need to result in a trip to the emergency room. Although oil is considered toxic, short exposures should result in very minimal symptoms. Being exposed long term and in large quantities could cause problems like trouble breathing, concentrating and coordination, as well as a higher risk of cancer.
This is expected to put a big halt to what would be Florida's prime tourist season, the white sand beaches are one of Florida's most popular tourist areas. This is also affecting businesses like restaurants as well. No people means no business. Restaurants have already cut back to their Winter staff and are not hiring.
It's also said, you no longer smell the salty ocean air. It's now replaced with only a stagnant oil smell.
Health officials are saying to stay out of oily water and away from the oil on the shorelines. They did say that getting a little water polluted with the oil on the skin or even swallowing a little, does not need to result in a trip to the emergency room. Although oil is considered toxic, short exposures should result in very minimal symptoms. Being exposed long term and in large quantities could cause problems like trouble breathing, concentrating and coordination, as well as a higher risk of cancer.
This is expected to put a big halt to what would be Florida's prime tourist season, the white sand beaches are one of Florida's most popular tourist areas. This is also affecting businesses like restaurants as well. No people means no business. Restaurants have already cut back to their Winter staff and are not hiring.
It's also said, you no longer smell the salty ocean air. It's now replaced with only a stagnant oil smell.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)