An Idea to Help Gulf Coast Green Hotels Cope With the Oil Spill

In a recent survey of fifty lodging facilities along the Gulf coast from Texas to the Florida Keys – some of them were likely certified green hotels – the Knowland Group found that 42% of hoteliers reported that the Deepwater Horizon oil spill off Louisiana has already resulted in cancelled bookings. Even in areas far removed from the spill’s current location, wary travelers are re-thinking their plans to stay in coastal properties.

While there is great uncertainty surrounding where the slick might ultimately end up, there is little doubt it will have a devastating environmental impact along the northern Gulf Coast. And some experts predict the oil could enter a loop current which would carry it like a conveyor belt to the pristine beaches and coral reefs off the Florida Keys, along the sugar white sands of South Beach and up the east coast of Florida and beyond.

According to the Knowland Group, many properties they surveyed are being proactive and implementing plans to deal with the spill’s potential fallout. One idea being batted around the Florida Keys is to request additional funds from BP (in excess of the $25 million the company has already given to Florida and other states to promote tourism in the wake of the spill) to provide free travel insurance to groups and individuals booking within the next several months.

We think this idea has a lot of merit. With summer beach travel about to hit full stride in a matter of weeks, the uncertainty surrounding where the slick might end up warrants a bold approach. Providing free travel insurance would allow consumers to book a beach vacation or conference with confidence, and would allow coastal hoteliers to stay afloat in the event the spill adversely affects their area.

We sincerely hope BP will pony up additional money to fund travel insurance for coastal lodging – green hotels and otherwise. It’s the least they can do under the circumstances.

What are your ideas for how green hotels can respond to the oil spill threat? Send them to us at info@EcoGreenHotel.com and we may publish them in our newsletter!