Uphill battle for Florida image
The four recent hurricanes that hit Florida may have a long-term dampening impact on visits to the Sunshine State, according to a new survey.
The survey by Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown & Russell (YPB&R) found 20% of those surveyed were less likely to visit Florida between now and the end of the year. A similar percentage said they were less likely to visit the state before September of next year.
“Clearly, travelers have been affected by both the jarring television images they have seen over the past six weeks, as well as the duration of the media coverage,” said Peter Yesawich, chairman of YPB&R.
But he added that as the recovery continues, travel suppliers will be offering promotion offers to lure visitors back and restore the state’s image.
While most tourism officials say damage was light in most areas, the 742-room Adam’s Mark Daytona Beach — the area’s largest and one of its best-known hotels — is closing down for the rest of the year.
In other hurricane updates:
• Only two of the 700 islands in the Bahamas suffered any significant damage. They were Grand Bahama Island and Abaco. All airports, cruise ports and major attractions are open. For more information, visit www.bahamas.com.
• The Cayman Islands government has temporarily restricted travel to Grand Cayman to residents and workers, but visitors are welcome at sister islands, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, if they have confirmed round trip air tickets and pre-booked accommodations. For more information, see www.caymanislands.ky.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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