Hilton offers Gulf-goer guarantee

Could the latest strategy from Hilton Worldwide help the Gulf Coast's tourism industry recover?

The company announced today that it would waive all cancellation and early departure fees for guests whose stay is impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The policy change affects visitors who plan to stay at the Hilton Naples, Doubletree Hotel Tampa Westshore Airport, and the Hilton Garden Inn Sarasota-Bradenton Airport, among many others.

"Hilton Worldwide recognizes that some travelers are hesitant to plan a beach vacation to the Gulf Coast this summer due to the uncertainty around the impact of the oil spill on the region's beaches. Therefore, we are offering the Beach Satisfaction Guarantee to provide our guests with peace-of-mind as they plan their summer vacations to the region," said Paul Brown, president of Global Brands & Commercial Services for Hilton Worldwide.