Cheap airplane tickets and cheap vacation packages by themselves will not solve the tourist problem in the Florida Panhandle. The perception of oil on all of the beaches makes the task of attracting tourists daunting and an uphill battle.
The U.S. Travel Association is trying to get BP to set up a $500 million emergency marketing fund for Gulf destinations.
Hotel revenues are down. In June lodging revenues in Panama City Beach fell 20% when compared to the same month last year. July is typically the peak month for visitors. Even though its beaches have no oil, fewer tourists are visiting; causing hotel rates to fall and those who visit staying for shorter periods of time.
Hotels and cities have been creative to try to attract more tourists.
Panama City Beach CVB has launched what it is calling Real.Fun.Awards program for this coming weekend. Visitors who stay three nights at participating properties receive a $50 American gift card, four nights earns a $100 gift card and five night stays result in a $200 gift card. This promotion will run through the end of August.
Panama City Beach businesses are supporting this program in an attempt to tell visitors not to let the summer pass without coming to Panama City Beach.
First Lady Michelle Obama recently visited Panama City Beach and described Northwest Florida as a national treasure. She was very impressed by the beaches, water and people. The Obama family has announced that they will take a weekend vacation somewhere on the Gulf Coast in mid August.
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