US President visits oil spill as experts warn Europe could be next
The US’s latest tourist spokesperson is none other than President Barack Obama, who declared the oil-spill-prone area of the country “outstanding†and definitely “open for business.â€
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At the same time, there were ominous warnings that Europe could also see the impact of what has been called the US’s “worst environmental disaster in history.”
The president promised Gulf Coast listeners during his tour that beaches would be restored to their “pristine condition.”
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“And we just want to make sure that people who have travel plans down to the Gulf area remain mindful of that,†added the US president. “Because if people want to know what can they do to help folks down here, one of the best ways to help is to come down here and enjoy the outstanding hospitality.â€
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“While some beaches on the coastline may appear to be untouched, oil from the blown-out BP well continues to spoil significant parts of the shoreline and has already penetrated into critical marshlands, threatening breeding grounds for wildlife, waterfowl and sea creatures – in particular shrimp and oysters,†said Tourism News.
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Hotel bookings are down as much as 30 percent in parts of the Panhandle during its high tourism season, apparently because of the spill and fears it will ruin the fine white sand beaches.
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According to the US Coast Guard, about 120 miles of the Gulf coastline has been affected, and large resorts are preparing for the worst.
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Bookings to Orlando and the East Coast appear less affected. Both Virgin Holidays and Thomson said they had seen no change in booking patterns.
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Meanwhile, a leading oceanographer has warned that the oil could wash up on European shores before the end of summer.
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“It’s entirely possible,†Ian MacDonald, of Florida State University told The Times. “These tar balls are incredibly persistent, and once they get into the Gulf Stream, they’ll be there until they get washed ashore.â€
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Jean-Michel Cousteau, son of the famous underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau, also voiced the same concerns.
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“The oil is going to get into the Gulf Stream,†he said, “to Britain, to France, to Spain
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By David Wilkening
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David
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