“Survey: Oil spill changes Ala. vacation patterns” plus 1 more |
| Survey: Oil spill changes Ala. vacation patterns Posted: 16 Sep 2010 05:07 AM PDT , On Thursday September 16, 2010, 8:07 am EDT MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) -- A survey released Wednesday by Alabama State University found the Gulf oil spill prompted a change in plans for about one-fourth of those in the state who traditionally go to the beach for their summer vacation. The random telephone survey of 596 adult Alabamians also found that about one-third of the state's residents opt for the surf for vacations -- underlining the impact of the spill on beach business this summer. Of those answering the survey, 44 percent said they usually take summer vacations, and 62 percent of those said they choose the beach, including both the Alabama and Florida coasts. Despite efforts to encourage beach tourism, 28 percent of those Alabamians who usually go to the beach said they changed their plans because of the oil spill. The survey was conducted July 26 through Aug. 17 and has a sampling error margin of plus or minus four percentage points. "When you are talking about one-fourth of the people who normally go to the beach, that's a perception problem," said Myles Mayberry, director of ASU's Center for Leadership and Public Policy. The Montgomery university paid for the survey. Like all of Alabama's public colleges, it is dealing with budget cuts caused by a drop in Alabama's tax collections. ASU and other state universities could benefit if BP PLC pays a $148 million claim that Alabama Gov. Bob Riley has filed for tax revenue lost due to the oil spill soiling Alabama beaches during the height of the tourist season. Herb Malone, president of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism, said the core market of people within a five-hour drive, which includes Alabama, was down similar to the numbers in the survey, but the market beyond five hours was down much worse. "Those people were less willing to take a risk with their family vacations," he said. Mayberry said the oil spill survey focused on Alabama because so many citizens take a beach trip each summer, and Alabamians are likely to hear firsthand reports about beach conditions from neighbors who have been on vacation, rather than relying solely on news reports. The survey found that most of those who canceled their traditional summer beach trips didn't go elsewhere, and couples or couples with children were more likely to cancel than singles. Mayberry speculated the couples with children changed their plans because parents would have a hard time taking children to the beach and then telling them they couldn't get in the water due to health concerns. The survey comes as Alabama beaches use the shoulder season to try to make up for some of the business they lost this summer. Malone said rentals for Labor Day weekend were about 85 percent of 2009, which was a good indication that guests are coming back. Also, free concerts aimed at boosting tourism are coming up in Gulf Shores with Bon Jovi on Oct. 15 and Brad Paisley on Oct. 17. Mayberry said he hopes to survey Alabamians in the spring to see if they have returned to tradition and are planning summer beach trips. This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service — if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/content-only/faq.php |
| Posted: 16 Sep 2010 03:14 PM PDT Sailing in St. Thomas When selecting a vacation destination, many individuals and families select a destination that offers them excitement and relaxation, all at once. If this is what you are looking for out of your vacation, then a St. Thomas sailing vacation may be just for you. St. Thomas is located in the Caribbean. As one of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas is known as one of the "hottest," vacation destinations in the world. If you have never had the pleasure of vacationing in St. Thomas before, you may be wondering what awaits you there. In St. Thomas, there are an unlimited number of services and activities that you may find exciting. One of those activities is sailing. I got my sailing start in Rhode Island - The Ocean State. I was a competitive sailor racing in competitions all over the state. I raced in everything from the Beetle Cat boat, to Snipes, to Indians, S Class, and the 110. My favorite had to be the S Class. It was a beautiful boat and I have many fond memories. The ocean waters surrounding St. Thomas are ideal for sailing. Beginners and even the most experienced sailors can enjoy sailing in the St. Thomas area. Since most individuals vacationing in St. Thomas fly into the area, you will have to find boat rentals. When renting a sail boat, it is likely that you will have a number of different options. Sail boats come in all different shapes, sizes, styles, and designs. Before planning an independent sail off the coast of St. Thomas, you may need to take a number of important factors into consideration. One of these factors is your level of sailing experience. Many of the individuals and companies that provide boat rentals require that you have the appropriate level of sailing experience. You may be required to take sail boat for a test drive or you may need to show documents that show you are licensed to operate a sail boat. Many individuals and companies do this to protect their investments. To make arrangement to rent a sail boat, it is advised that you make your reservations ahead of time. Sailing is a popular vacation pastime in St. Thomas. To guarantee that you are able to have access to an available boat, you will want to make your boat rental reservations well in advance. You can easily learn of boat rentals that can be found in or around the St. Thomas area by requesting a St. Thomas vacation packet. Your local travel agent may also be able to offer you assistance. While sailing is an activity that is enjoyed by many, most individuals are unable to operate a sail boat. Just because you do not know how to operate a sail boat, does not mean that you cannot vacation on the waters surrounding St. Thomas. Throughout the area, you should be able to find multiple companies that offer guided sail boat rentals. In addition to paying for the boat rental, you will be provided with an experienced sailor who can take you on voyage that you will forever remember. Sailing on the water surrounding St. Thomas is an exciting experience all on its own, but that is not the only thing you can do while on the water. While sailing on the water, you may be surprised with what you will find and see. A sail boat is a great way to vacation on the water, but sightsee as well. Scuba diving and snorkeling are also fun activities that can be combined with sailing. If you are with an experienced sailor who also is a trained scuba diver, you may be able to enjoy these two amazing activities all at once. When you are searching for sail boat rentals, you may want to consider what the resort you plan on staying at has to offer. If you are vacationing at an all-inclusive St. Thomas resort, you may find that you are able to receive free sail boat tours. These free rides are not offered in all vacation packages, but may be able to save a large amount of money if they are. Whether you plan on sailing yourself or you are using the services of an experienced sailor, you will be sure to enjoy your time on the water. Activities found on the St. Thomas Island are not limited. You can easily find an number of activities, many of which will be what your heart desires. Despite the economy I hope you are travelling and enjoying yourself. Until next time, let me know what is on your mind, and how you are doing, O.K.? Jim Fortune - the Bella Budget Travel Guy Content copyright © 2010 by Jim Fortune. All rights reserved. This content was written by Jim Fortune. If you wish to use this content in any manner, you need written permission. Contact Jim Fortune for details. This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service — if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/content-only/faq.php |
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