Did you ever go someplace where they are renovating and see a sign telling you to pardon the mess? Areas blocked off to keep out people so the construction folks can do their job. And the businesses are still trying to keep its customers happy....... and stay open.

Our entire Gulf Coast is like that in some respects.  Would you stay at a hotel thats being renovated... I might, if they tell me upfront that the work is being done and I might be inconvenienced, and maybe give me a discount.

While all this rebuilding is taking place we who live here understand and basically have to live with it. But is it fair to really promote the Coast as an inviting attraction ... at this time?

As the months since hurricane Katrina swept our Coast into chaos pass. Things will get better. Every week or month something is re-opened.  But the major attractions will take time.

Part of our business is to deliver information about the area to people looking for an inviting destination.  Many websites still contain information about wondrous attractions, the casinos, and historic items to visit. 

Surely some travelers will arrive only to find that many of the things they want to do or visit...simply no longer exist.  

I want to stress that the Gulf Coast will be rebuilt, and will become a major tourist area .. in the future.

Its important for the economy and workforce infrastructure that these businesses prosper. And to do that we need tourists. The rebuilding investments by these companies is extreme. 

Should we invite guests into our home while we are remodeling? Or perhaps tell them to keep us in mind because the house is going to look great... and come visit us then?

What do you think? Give your comments by clicking the Add your comments link above.