What About Main Street, Mr. President?

I just read that President Obama will be visiting Disney World in Florida today to announce an important tourism strategy. For me, this is good and not so good news. Firstly, I think that it is terrific that he is recognizing tourism and seems to be giving it more than just lip service. On the other hand, I just wish that he wasn’t doing it at Disney World.  Don’t get me wrong. I think that Disney World is great. I was there with my family over the Christmas break and we had a great time.

If we look at tourism using the principles of the “Occupy Movement” (in a nice way), then Disney World is definitely in the 1%.  One of the perennial problems that the tourism industry must combat is a fundamental lack of understanding of what it’s about. For the residents of so many small cities, their first thought when you mention “tourism” is of a Disney theme park and not the potential benefits to their own community.

The reality is that tourism is increasingly important to small communities across the country as an efficient generator of income and jobs.  So from my selfish perspective, I would have liked the President to have made the announcement in one of America’s fabulous Main Streets to bring attention to tourism's contribution to small communities. But I guess that wouldn’t generate the attention (or controversy) of a visit to a Disney theme park! And Main Street in the Magic Kingdom doesn't count!

Comments

[Brian Wilbur]

I just came back from Orlando this weekend. When I was there I spent a day at Epcot and, though I had a good time, I was mortified by the sheer materialism on display. Epcot is just one gigantic outdoor shopping mall-- and an expensive one at that! With the economy as it is, I think people worldwide are seeking more meaningful and less extravagant vacations. We're lucky to have Disney, but IMHO, the best vacations involve fun, meaningful experiences with real people. Standing in line for 90 minutes to go on a 2 minute thrill ride, buying trinkets in a gift shop or getting my picture taken with Snow White (well, maybe Cinderella) will never compare.

[Bill Baker]

You're right Brian, there is well researched support for your claim that people are seeking more authentic experiences. While there will always be a place for the type of Disney experience, my point was that it is a distortion of what tourism is, and should, be about.