Sandy To Have Long-Term Effects On Florida Tourism

FLORIDA (CBSMiami) — According to Florida tourism officials, Hurricane Sandy's impact on Florida's beaches extends beyond beach erosion. Fewer tourists are expected at the state's beaches means a dampened tourism season.

The coming season was expected to attract a record number of vacationers, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune said. However, as northeasterners clean up from the storm the projections are not quite as rosy.

"If someone's home is flooded, their priority is going to be getting their house back in working order," said Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention Center and Visitors Bureau. "That may leave them with less time or money to take the vacations."

About 80 million visitors come to Florida each year, spending about $70 billion, the Herald-Tribune said.

Read more in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune article.

The South Florida Business Journal contributed material for this article.