$57 million BP money to promote gulf tourism

Wednesday, 13 Nov, 2012 0

SRIA wins grant to promote eco-tourism trail

Santa Rosa Island Authority was notified today that it will be awarded a $500,000 grant from a $57 million BP Gulf Tourism and Seafood Promotional Fund. The SRIA applied for the grant in October with a goal to develop an ecotourism trail and to promote ecotourism.

W. A. "Buck" Lee, Island Authority executive director, said he has notified the board by email about award. Board chairman Dave Pavlock will lead a discussion on how to implement the grant at the Nov. 14 board meeting.

Patrick A. Juneau, Deepwater Horizon Claims Administrator, said in an email that a member of a Promotional Fund Administrative Team will be contacting Lee soon about the requirements and disbursement of the grant.

The fund is being administered by the Deepwater Horizon Economic Claims Center in New Orleans, which is managing the disbursement of BP fine money from the 2010 oil spill disaster.

The fund is strictly aimed at providing dollars to public agencies, chambers of commerce, nonprofits, and other entities for tourism and seafood marketing and promotions. No more than $500,000 will be granted per year to an applicant.

The E.W. Bullock firm developed the grant proposal with the help of Lila Cox, a Pensacola Beach Advocates member, and Beverly McCay, a former longtime beach resident and general manager of Holiday Inn Express. Both woman are involved in sea turtle conservation and eco-friendly initiatives on the beach.

Goals of the project include: countering negative publicity remaining after the oil spill; boosting tourism in the off season; and building the foundation of a new marketing strategy with a smartphone app.

Valere Tjolle

VISION sustainable tourism special offer: Sustainable Tourism Report OUT NOW Get 80% OFF HERE

below social share icons

Valere

Arival advances the business of creating amazing in-destination experiences. We provide events, insights, and community for creators and sellers of...

This is Jersey. An island shaped by the sea where some of the most astonishing tides in the world circle...

Our leadership is bold. Our agility thrives on open innovation and we embrace the new, whether it’s diversity, trends, challenges....

The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, works to enhance visitors’ experiences by providing information, resources and trip planning tools...

Travel specialists founded the company in 1999 as AC Tours. Since then we have grown and expanded to incorporate four...

River cruising is a treat for the senses, allowing you to see, touch, feel and experience the world like never...

A state like no other. A place known for togetherness, celebration and happiness. In Louisiana, we call it “joie de...

ECOMMPAY is an international payment service provider and direct bank card acquirer, engineering bespoke payment solutions for clients worldwide. Our...

Virtuoso is the leading global network of agencies specializing in luxury and experiential travel, with more than 20,000 advisors. We...

To say Sweden is fit for a fairy tale is not overstating it—the palaces dazzle, the boreal forests are brimming...

Global Hotel Alliance brings together a unique collection of independent hospitality brands for GHA DISCOVERY, a multi-brand loyalty programme. GHA...

Central Florida’s Polk County is conveniently located between Orlando and Tampa, and an easy drive to Central Florida attractions and...

Our Mission Ecommerce has transformative powers, and we believe everyone should be able to take part. But outdated solutions and...

From the beginning, ATI’s philosophy has been “innovation, not duplication.“ Developing specialized technology solutions to connect over 30,000 accommodation, attracti...