With the line getting longer for businesses, government entities and displaced workers seeking funds from BP and the federal government to assist in a crucial time of need, one does not exactly think of PR services as a fundable project – well think again.
One of the most devastating loses from the oil spill has been tourism revenue from the summer travelers staying away in droves from Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida shores.
Stephen Perry who is president of the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau, said last week that $500 million is needed for tourism and marketing campaigns, to tell the current story of conditions around gulf beaches and waterfront tourist attractions.
“Everything is perception and image in our business,” Perry said.
Perry and fellow tourism executives have been asking for marketing and PR funds since at least mid-May and have yet to receive word from the state, federal government or BP.
When you really think about it the flow of public information to potential visitors is crucial.
Many are saying that the media only shows the worst of oil on beachfronts. Although this is a true disaster in every sense of the word the fact is that most beaches currently are oil free. For sure a large amount of oil will eventually appear on these beaches, but part of the tourism summer season can be saved and the economic picture of the region enhanced, if the flow of information can allay public fears.
Also on The Fire PIO…
- Press Releases are not dead in our neck of the woods – September 15, 2010
- Yelling Down a Black Hole – October 4, 2010
- A PIO Social Media Christmas – December 22, 2010
- Responding to unfounded Complaints – November 12, 2010
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