Responsible Vacation Industry to Nurse Wounds for Gulf Coast

The responsible vacation industry has a power that is significantly appealing in the politically charged environment in our country these days. And for the thousands of Gulf Coast residents still feeling the pain of from the BP oil spill, the worst oil spill in our nation's history, the responsible vacation industry can dismiss party lines and bring in real revenue for the suffering region.

Even though almost six months have passed since the natural disaster, most of the Gulf Coast community continues to suffer from the assault on its natural habitat, as well as from the loss of revenue from the tourism industry. Despite BP's many efforts to insure the public that the seafood and region were safe for tourism to resume, the general perception of the region remained sullied. BP pumped in millions of dollars for glossy campaign ads on television, radio, and even YouTube (no word on whether or not buying all Google searches for BP proved beneficial). Insult to injury came in the form of BP's horrific handling of monetary compensation for the loss in revenue for Gulf Coast workers and business owners. Despite its monetary efforts, most of the Gulf Coast residents and businesses suffered astronomical loss due to the lack of tourists. Many residents are still waiting for their payments from the multi- billion dollar oil company. As grim as this picture appears, the responsible vacation industry can do
its part to turn this story around for the best.

By scheduling a responsible vacation to the Gulf Coast region, every tourist can help the region recoup some of its lost revenue. Scheduling a single responsible vacation seems like such an insignificant gesture for such an enormous problem, but every little bit truly helps. By traveling to the region and experiencing its culture, which is still very much so alive and well, you will enjoy a fun and responsible vacation, and will probably fill inclined to let your circle of friends know how much you enjoyed the seafood in New Orleans or walking along the crystal clean beaches of Gulf Shores. In turn, they will vacation in the Gulf Coast, and the cycle continues.

More organized efforts have gone underway in the region. To create a real plan of action to restore the vibrant and profitable nature of the Gulf Coast, 46 national organizations congregated at Alabama's Weeks Bay, determined to create their own rescue plan. BP can keep its bureaucratic relief efforts coming, but these motivated individuals see a better approach to restoring the region. About 100 people represented public health, marine life, coastal environment and humanity concerns, providing a voice for the many areas of society affected by the environmental tragedy. Together, they intend on masterminding their own recovery program, which will undoubtedly include the help of tourism.

Schedule a responsible vacation to the Gulf Coast to do your to help preserve one of our nation's most important cultural and environmental treasures.

Photo Credit: dsb nola