when we return to normal.” Coastal tourism bureaus are on the attack to dispel misperceptions The Gulf Shores Golf Association has a message for those wondering how to help the Gulf Coast: come down and play some golf. The oil will not impact the golf courses in any way, and though swim advisories are in place, the beaches are still open and still beautiful. The Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau is acting as Alabama’s main voice to combat the misconceptions about the oil spill’s effects through a website (www. thebeachfacts.com) that communicates accurate and current conditions. The site includes a daily video update, and the CVB is conducting a strong PR campaign to counter the negative press. Alabama Gulf Coast accommodations are offering discounts, special packages and events (such as a recent Jimmy Buffett concert in Gulf Shores) as well as incentives to get people to head south to stay and play. “We are also working through some of our golf channels to spread a positive word,” Millar said. “Now more than ever, the Gulf Coast needs the support of its visitors, and tourists can help by keeping their reservations (or making new reservations), playing golf, and enjoying all that the Gulf Lost Key in Gulf Shores, Ala., is one of the Project4_Layout 1 10-08-05 10:39 AMgems Pageof1 Coast has to offer.” the Gulf Coast. Although the water may still be off limits,
the Alabama Gulf Coast is safe and ready to host visitors more than ever. “The temperatures are still quite warm, the humidity is much lower, the courses are still in great condition from the summer growing season and often times the value is better than the spring season,” Millar said. To the west, the Mississippi Gulf Coast Golf Association & Coast Golf Tourism Partnership is communicating weekly to its customers via an e-newsletter list, through social media (such as Facebook and Twitter) and talking with media outlets from regional golf publications and to the Golf Channel. “The best way to help the Gulf is come down and play some golf on the Gulf, Drum said. “The economic impact of golf tourism goes beyond the golf course – less than 20 percent goes to golf courses with the other 80-plus percent going to hotel owners, restaurant owners and their seafood suppliers (fisherman) and attractions, shopping and to the airport.” The MGCA hopes to have a promotion in place to spur rounds of golf but also believe that the quality and value of its golf courses speak for themselves. “When golfers give us a try we know they will be pleased and come back,” Drum added. “The locals love golf and the visitors love the golf here, so we will be fine if people will just ignore the misperceptions and come on down.”
If you like our greens... you’ll love our blues!
For more information visit www.visitmississippi.org or call 1-888-669-7662 for a FREE Golf Mississippi Guide and start planning your colorful vacation today!
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• South Central Golf Magazine