Gov. Haley Barbour said that the Mississippi Gulf Coast is open for business, despite the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
In an effort to encourage tourism, Mississippi Gulf Coast officials are offering $75 gas cards for those who book a two-night stay at one of the participating hotels or resorts listed online at www.gulfcoast.org. Resident can also sign up online for a chance to win one of four getaway packages.
Hotel room cancellations are above 50 percent right now, even though the Mississippi beaches are clear of oil, said Linda Hornsby, director of the Hotel and Lodging Association
He told The Associated Press the oil spill could be disastrous for Mississippi’s coastal economy. Then he added: “But it’s just as possible that what happens here will be manageable and of moderate and even minimal impact.”
Oil has not started washing up on shore in any large quantities, and Barbour likened much of the spill to the gasoline sheen commonly found around ski boats.
“We don’t wash our face in it, but it doesn’t stop us from jumping off the boat to ski,” Barbour said.
At a press conference, Barbour encouraged potential visitors to “
ome on down here and play golf, enjoy the beach <8>, catch a fish.”
http://climateprogress.org/2010/05/16/bp-oil-spill-mississippi-barbour/print/