Two weeks have passed since the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico, leaking roughly 5,000 barrels of oil a day, possibly more. One thing is for certain, the oil slick continues to grow now measuring approximately 130 miles by 70 miles, or about the size of Delaware. What’s not certain is the fate of the coastal economies in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Northwest Florida.
Many vacation rental companies like, VacationRentalsPros.com, are currently working around the clock to book travelers whose vacation plans have been spoiled by the fear and uncertainty associated with the oil spill. According to Steve Milo, CEO of Vacation Rental Pros, “We have guests literally calling us from their cars as they drive to Florida and are seeking alternative vacation destinations.” To accommodate the travelers Vacation Rental Pros are finding similar properties along Florida’s East Coast such as, St. Augustine and Palm Coast Florida.
In an effort to reassure vacationers that have booked well in advance, the Gulf Shores, Alabama real estate firm Brett/Robinson Vacations, sent notice to those renting vacation properties that they would not be penalized for spill-related cancelations, but urged travelers not to cancel out of fear or paranoia.
Even if the oil slick never reaches the beautiful beaches along the Gulf Coast, irreversible damage has been done via cancelations and travelers choosing alternative destinations due to the uncertainty the Gulf Coast faces in the weeks ahead.
