The Negative Impact on Tourism From Offshore Drilling

Oil spills from offshore drilling, such as the British Petroleum oil spill of April 20, 2010, can cost affected areas billions of dollars in lost tourism. The BP spill was the largest in U.S. history. Gulf Coast tourism is worth $34 billion a year, and creates 400,000 jobs. The U.S. Travel Association estimates that the BP oil spill could cost Gulf Coast tourism 22.7 billion dollars over three years.

Direct Impacts

Oil spills can contaminate beaches, limit swimming, damage fisheries and ecosystems and reduce boat travel. Water-related tourist activities are most affected, as are related industries such as seafood markets and restaurants.

Indirect Impacts

Though some Gulf area hotels saw increased reservations shortly after the BP spill because of the influx of cleanup workers, most of the region's resorts and hotels had reduced tourism business since the spill. Even nearby areas where the spill hadn't yet reached saw reduced tourism after negative publicity.

Duration

On average, oil spills can hinder tourism for 12 to 28 months after the spill. The Ixtoc spill off the coast of Mexico damaged tourism for closer to 40 months.

References

• USTravel.org: Potential Impact of Gulf Oil Spill on Tourism