The outlook for beach tourism along the Gulf Coast has fluctuated amid uncertainty about the volume and reach of the spill. While advance bookings initially fell, there is some evidence that tourists are making last-minute decisions to vacation in areas perceived as clear of oil. This could mitigate some of the damage to Florida’s and Alabama’s tourism industries. The thousands of workers assisting with the cleanup, along with the media deluge along the Gulf Coast, will also offset some of the losses incurred by hotel operators, restaurateurs and retailers.