BP, p.l.c., formally known as British Petroleum, is the company in the center of the broiling controversy over the devastating oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico that occurred in April, 2010. The Florida state government and the Florida Tourist Board braced for a summer of plummeting tourist dollars, rightfully fearful that vacationers would steer clear of oil-contaminated beaches, but with the help of BP, tourism was actually up!
BP, the fourth largest company in the world, and the third largest energy company, gave $32 million to Florida, which allowed the embattled state to put the message out world-wide that most of Florida’s beaches were untouched by the spill. The funds were used for a high-profile campaign blitz on television, radio and in newspapers, especially in the U.S. and Europe.
As many of you timeshare owners probably already know, most of Florida’s beautiful white sand beaches escaped unharmed. The media storm, however, threatened to sink Florida tourism anyway. That’s when BP stepped in and helped save Florida’s summer.
“It was the best money that BP spent other than that on capping the spill,” Nicki Grossman, president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, said.
Although areas closest to the spill, including Pensacola and Panama City, did suffer, over-all visitor rates increased, reported Kathy Torian, Visit Florida’s communications director. “Almost 21 million people arrived in the quarter from April to June, a 3.4 percent increase on 2009,” stated Torian, “and our research suggests that has continued.”
If you haven’t already joined those millions of happy beach goers, now is the time to plan a Florida beach timeshare rental vacation. The weather is perfect through the fall months, cooler and with less humidity, and you can still enjoy warm water and lovely beaches.
Panama City Beaches along the amazing “Emerald Coast” have been cleaned up and are now “crystal clear, clean and beautiful.” There are a number of timeshare rentals available there such as Marriott’s Legends Edge at Bay Point where amenities include everything from two championship golf courses to a wonderful children’s playground.
Timeshare rentals on Marco Island puts you on Florida’s gorgeous Paradise Coast, as does a stay in a Naples timeshare. The name says it all – a tropical feel with swaying palms, white sand beaches, and the sparkling turquoise-blue Gulf.
On Florida’s Atlantic side you can enjoy a white sand beach vacation along the Treasure Coast. Rent a Port St. Lucie timeshare, Vero Beach timeshare or Jensen Beach timeshare where you’ll find a number of sheltered bays for great snorkeling.
Wherever you choose to rent a Florida timeshare, your family will have a great beach vacation – fun, exciting, and even relaxing.
(Photo is a panoramic view from the life guard tower at Jensen Beach)