There is no escaping the news surrounding the BP Oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The effects of this news have already hit the shores of many Gulf Coast vacation destinations. Tourists that would be flocking to these beautiful beaches are running away. “Reservations in the Florida Panhandle are down about 30 percent -- and in some cases 50 percent -- compared with this time last year”, said Carol Dover, president and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA).

Many resorts are receiving cancellations and/or no reservations at all. However, the general public is only hearing the negative. They don’t know that these amazing beaches are just as beautiful and safe right now as they were two months ago.  To help get the message out, President Obama chimed in. "Americans can help by continuing to visit the communities and beaches of the Gulf Coast," he said during a news conference held Thursday, May 27, 2010.

Some resorts are avoiding discussing the oil spill for fear of fueling the “pr wave.” However, we all know how quickly news spreads, accurate or not. It makes sense to be pro-active and get in front of the conversation so that the most accurate information is being publicized.  For instance, The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach’s Facebook page features an ad with the slogan "The only oil on our beach is suntan oil!"

Spectrum Resorts of Alabama is sponsoring a wonderful t-Shirt campaign. Each guest will receive a t-shirt imprinted with the slogan "Support Alabama's Gulf Coast, Summer 2010." These t-shirts will also be available for purchase. The proceeds will go to support Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge in Gulf Shores, Ala.

Another thing that many resorts are doing is a "100-percent vacation guarantee" and a "no-deposit-required" policy for guests, to proactively encourage visitors to vacation along the Gulf Coast in spite of the oil spill.  

Promote those live beach cams! Most convention and visitor bureaus (CVB’s) and chambers host live streamed video on their web sites. One such chamber is the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce. Follow this link to see live beach coverage anytime. Check with your tourism office to see if you can link to their live cams.

Constantly update your web site! You must keep the news out there. In addition to your web site, use Twitter, Facebook and any other social media tool at your disposal.

Speak with your state tourism officials. There may be some funding available to you for lost tourism revenues and clean up efforts. The state of Louisiana has received $40 million from BP. According to State Budget Officer Ray Stockstill “$25 million from BP has gone into the Oil Spill Contingency Fund and $15 million was allocated by BP for tourism promotion.”

Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) has received $25 million. This grant will be directed toward the state’s official marketing office, VISIT FLORIDA, to implement a multi-media campaign aimed primarily to encourage tourists to book and re-book their hotel and vacation plans in Northwest Florida now through the Labor Day holiday season.

If the worst-case scenario should arise and your beaches and wildlife are in jeopardy, host volunteers in your resort and volunteer yourself. This unfortunate event is not our doing, but we need to “un-do it” as best we can. If your resort is interested in either of these ideas, you can visit the Deepwater Horizon response web site for information.

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