President Obama: Preserve Travel to the Gulf Coast

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The Deepwater Horizon oil spill left a stain on the Gulf region – not only on the select coastal areas where the oil touched the shore, but also in the minds of would-be travelers from around the globe. However, it is not too late to prevent some of the most damaging long-term effects of the oil spill, and particularly, large scale job losses. 

During the summer of 2010, more than 2,500 Gulf Coast travel employees signed a letter to President Barack Obama urging him to create a short- and long-term recovery plan to help the Gulf Coast get back on its feet by stimulating travel to the area.  U.S. Travel will continue to advocate on behalf of this cause with the White House, legislators, and the responsible parties.

Click here to read Oxford Economics landmark analysis on the potential impact of the oil spill on tourism.

Click here to read “Roadmap to Recovery,” U.S. Travel’s 10-point plan for responding to the crisis.

Dear Mr. President:

On behalf of the one million Gulf Coast residents employed in the travel industry, we write to urge your Administration to enhance its efforts to preserve travel to the Gulf region as a means to cap the economic damage caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, save American jobs and launch the road to recovery. 

Visitors are the cornerstone of the Gulf Coast economy, generating more than $94 billion annually in economic activity, creating one million jobs and providing a proud way of life for millions from Florida to Louisiana.  We represent a diverse group of people and businesses, including hotels, convention centers, restaurants, small bed and breakfasts, tour providers and national parks.

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill has left a stain on our region – not only on the select coastal areas where the oil has touched the shore, but also in the minds of would-be travelers from around the globe.  We urge you to help all those affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill by:

1. Putting in place a short- and long-term recovery plan focused on maintaining a strong travel economy in the Gulf region;

2. Ensuring that those responsible for this disaster provide substantial promotional dollars to counter misperceptions and attract business and leisure travelers back to the region;

3. Conducting research on the short- and long-term economic impact of the oil spill on local travel and tourism businesses, communities, and importantly, jobs; and

4. Encouraging visits to the Gulf states while reminding travelers that much of the coast is still pristine.

It is not too late to prevent some of the oil spill’s most damaging long-term effects and stave off large-scale job losses. We believe that stimulating the region’s travel economy is a crucial stepping stone on the road to long-term recovery in the Gulf Coast. Thank you for your continued efforts to support the people and communities impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.  We are counting on your support.

Respectfully,