What if Europeans stayed home?

As the economic situation in Europe worsens, it might be worth assessing what the impact of all this might be on your Gulf Coast-based business.

After all, European visitors account for a substantial part of the Gulf Coast's summer tourism season. Europeans spend more time and money here than domestic visitors, tourism officials say.

It's not just hoteliers who might feel the pinch. Realtors, bankers and retailers could suffer drops in business if Europeans hunker down in their native countries.