Monday BP gave Louisiana 15 million dollars to use specifically for tourism. The Louisiana office of tourism or L.O.T. plan to use the money to change the perception that Louisiana is not a good place to live or visit because of the oil spill.
With 15 million in their pockets from BP, the Louisiana office of tourisim hopes to sway the minds of tourists by advertising. "If you're concerned about the sea food you shouldn't because number one, nobody is going to serve food that's tainted. Number two, the method of perception is what sets our chefs apart I think more than where the food comes from," Jim Hutchinson. While the seafood industry is getting the brunt of the hits, L.O.T says, when it comes to tourism people come for the food; which ultimately depends on the chef. "They can take food from anywhere and make it taste great. Where would we rather get our food and our supplies, right out of the Gulf of Mexico," said Hutchinson.
"The perception is such that we are not offering what we would normally be offered. That is not the case. Right now it's business as usual," said Baton Rouge Convention and visitor's bureau CEO, Paul Arrigo. The exact places where the 15 million will go is unknown. The Louisiana office of tourism's objective is to respond quickly. They've already reached out to stake holders who are the people in the tourism business and they're waiting for their response as to how this money can benefit them the most.
LOT will work with communities on the coast to make sure people know there are other things to do. "Our goal is for people to come to Louisiana enjoy it and come back time and time again," said Hutchinson. The main industry affected in tourism because of the spill is sport fishing. There's also skepticism about the 15 million because Florida received 25 million. Hutchinson says it may be because of the beaches. The oil has the potential to affect both the east and west coast of Florida.
Sarah Rosario
srosario@katctv.com


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