Lee VCB director speaks on oil spill
To the editor:
As we follow new developments in the ongoing tragedy of the BP oil spill, we wanted to let you know that the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau is proactively planning for the potential impact on our community. We already have created a ghost page on our consumer website that we can activate at a moment’s notice to report the latest local news to destination travelers, and we have provided talking points to our call center for use in responding to any inquiries they may receive on the matter.
Also, we are participating in conference calls with the Governor’s Office, Florida Association of CVBs and Visit Florida for the latest information.
To update you, the Governor’s Executive Order declaring a state of emergency has been extended through Sarasota County. We have been contacted by many local media in reference to the oil spill’s effect on tourism. Our suggested key messages are:
Currently, there is no local impact from the BP oil spill.
We are open for business.
We don’t know if our area will be affected.
In addition, we are reaching out to local organizations to offer support and to help coordinate potential response efforts. Though we are hoping no such efforts will be necessary, we want to be prepared should that potential occur.
In the meantime, please alert the VCB to any news you hear regarding consumer queries on the matter as well as any community response efforts so that Lee County can work as a team as much as possible. We shall continue to keep you posted of our efforts as the situation unfolds and welcome your questions and suggestions on the matter. Please send any comments to VCB@leegov.com .
Tamara Pigott
Executive Director
Lee VCB