Obama looks to boost Gulf tourism with family trip
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is heeding his own advice to American vacationers, taking his family to the Gulf Coast this weekend to help the sagging tourism industry.
The president will arrive Saturday and spend just over 24 hours in the Panama City, Fla., area, a quick jaunt in contrast to the family’s upcoming 10-day vacation to Martha’s Vineyard, known as a destination for the wealthy and privileged.
White House officials dismiss questions about the length of the family’s stay, saying that has no relation to the president’s commitment to the region’s recovery.
“The president is deeply committed to the folks in the Gulf region,” said White House spokesman Bill Burton. He said Obama wants to ensure the people of the Gulf Coast are “made whole again after what was a terrible catastrophe.”
AP
Aug. 13
Magnolia Tribune
