We want to make you aware of a new study on the Gulf Coast oil spill created in collaboration with our partner organization, the U.S. Travel Association. The study shows the spill's impact on travel and tourism will likely last three years and could cost up to $22.7 billion in lost spending. It also reinforces the need for a substantial and significant marketing program, that could cut that economic damage by one-third.
We join USTA in calling on responsible parties, the government and others to take immediate action to mitigate the certain economic damage our industry and others face.
Research shows that the oil spill will have long-term effects on businesses and jobs in the Gulf Coast region unless action is undertaken to mitigate the long-term impact and save restaurant industry and other jobs. We have been working with USTA to launch a "Roadmap to Recovery" to aid the Administration and the Congress in its work to safeguard the Gulf Coast and prepare for future crises as well.
Specific proposals directed at the federal government in the10-point plan include:
. Create a $500 million marketing program, funded by BP, to share accurate information on the oil spill and attract visitors to the region;
. Develop a 'one stop shop' online portal where consumers can obtain up-to-the-minute information about which areas are safe and open for travel and business;
. Provide tax deductions in a disaster-affected area to give travelers added incentive to travel to and do business in that region; and
. Intervene to provide increased access to capital, low interest loans and tax incentives which allow businesses to remain open and retain employees.
If implemented, these initiatives can help to prevent billions of dollars of additional harm to the travel and hospitality community, of which restaurants, as we know, are a significant and critical component.
For the latest news concerning the oil spill and our industry, please go to our website at www.restaurant.org/oilspill.
The site also highlights testimony that New Orleans restaurateur Ralph Brennan gave this week before a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on how the oil spill is impacting restaurants in the Gulf Coast region. Brennan, a former NRA and NRAEF Chairman, spoke about the impact the spill has had both on the ecosystem and the economy of the region - and steps that can be taken so that the Gulf does not become a "damaged brand."
The National Restaurant Association will continue to work with our state partners, allied organizations, and government agencies on the continuing crisis, and we will keep you apprised of new developments.
