Oil Crisis Could Prompt Possible Tourism Shift

Hoteliers and tourism officials in Volusia County want the country to see white, sandy beaches where the only oil on the beach is suntan oil.

Everyone agrees it's too early to say if the oil washing ashore along the panhandle will mean tourists will shift their plans to the Atlantic coast.

But the hotels along Daytona Beach say are ready for them.

Bob Davis, the president of the Hotel and Lodging Assocation of Volusia County, told News 13 the members don't want to look like they're profiting off the disaster as other hoteliers are facing along the Panhandle.

Locals, on the other hand, want tourist officials to take advantage of the situation.

"They should take advantage of it. We need this business. Daytona Beach, as well as it is, we could use the help," said lifelong Daytona Beach resident Kameron Sapsford.

After the 2004 hurricane season, other areas of the state were quick to try to attract tourism dollars. There was the argument, as long as the money stays in the state, it doesn't matter where it's made.

"Basically, it saves us from having to get a new tax, an income tax. Because I work out of state so I have to pay it out of state, so yeah, it's nice having the money coming in," said Crystal River resident Larry Whiten.