Tourism ‘key to hurricane-hit destinations’ recovery’

Destinations affected by hurricanes in the US have stressed the importance of tourism to their recovery.

Liz Bittner, chief executive of the Travel South marketing alliance which covers 12 southern states including North Carolina, said some areas would take time to be ready to welcome guests, but others were already open for business or had avoided major impact from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

“We are really going to need tourism to help these affected businesses and communities get back on their feet,” she said during Brand USA’s Travel Week event in London.

“We will always follow state leads on when it is appropriate to encourage visitors to return but the Fall is a key period for many small businesses, particularly in the mountains, so we will be communicating regularly with our trade partners on what is open.”

DT Minich, chief executive of Visit Kissimmee, said the impact of Hurricane Milton on central Florida had been relatively small compared to coastal areas, and stressed the need to ensure consumers and trade knew the area was fully open for business.

Kyle Edmiston, chief executive of Visit Lake Charles, said the Louisiana destination had avoided the impact of the recent storms but was still recovering from 2020’s Hurricane Laura.

Edmiston said recovery “does not happen overnight” and some hotel properties were still yet to reopen due to legislative delays but added that the rebuilding process had resulted in the emergence of new infrastructure and attractions including two new museums.