Would It [proximity to a uranium mine] Bother Tourists?

Karen poses an excellent question in this letter (the red lettering is mine, not in the original letter):

Published: May 17, 2008

To the editor:

The Associated Press story, “Waves from Myrtle Beach ad felt in Virginia,” (May 16, page A1), illustrates the importance of image and advertising. In an attempt to lure vacationers south, the ad drew attention to perceived negative aspects of Virginia Beach and positive aspects of a Myrtle Beach vacation. The president and chief executive of the Myrtle Beach Area’s Chamber of Commerce made no apologies regarding the advertising and stated that his top priority is to fill hotel rooms. He’s quoted as saying, “It’s pure guerrilla marketing and some take issue with that.”

As gas prices rise, tourist destinations have to work hard to attract visitors. Perhaps drawing attention to a rival area’s shortcomings, real or perceived, negatively impacts tourism. Find their weakness … then make a case for why your resort area is better.

I wonder if Virginia Beach’s tourism director and local and state elected officials have wondered if being downriver from a uranium mine will negatively affect tourism. With the current competition for the tourist dollar, perhaps they should.

KAREN XX

XX, VA

http://www.godanriver.com/gdr/news/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/danville_letters/article/may_17_outsourcing_uranium_restrictions_and_israel/3727/