Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, January 31, 1993 TAG: 9301310178
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: E7 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
GUN-CONTROL BATTLE SPILLS OVER INTO TOURISM
The battle over gun control in Virginia isn't likely to seriously hurt the state's $8.3 billion annual tourist trade despite boycott threats by groups on both sides of the issue, vacation industry officials say.So far, there's been no hint of any economic impact from the threats.
"We haven't had any letters," said Patrick McMahon, director of the Virginia Division of Tourism. "Even the groups making the threats didn't write us."
"We've received no indications from any travel groups or any agents, pro or con on this issue, that would keep people from coming," said Patrick Milliman, director of communications for Colonial Williamsburg.
Both pro-gun and anti-gun organizations have said they will encourage boycotts of convention and vacation businesses in the state, depending on how the General Assembly deals with a proposal to limit gun sales to one per person per month.
"We're all against people driving drunk, but does that mean we're going to ban every state that sells alcohol?" said Diann Stutz of Hampton's Department of Conventions and Tourism. "Where does it end? The travel industry is an easy target, but not necessarily an effective one."
Michael K. Beard, president of the Washington-based Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, announced Jan. 13 that Virginia would be targeted for a travel boycott if lawmakers fail to adopt the sales limit proposed by Gov. Douglas Wilder.
Beard said he hoped the threat would prompt the tourism industry to push for passage of the measure, which is intended to stop multiple firearm sales to out-of-state buyers. Such weapons often end up in criminal hands, law enforcement officials say.
The coalition's warning came after similar boycott threats by several gun rights groups, including the Indianapolis-based American Justice Federation. Those groups are opposed to Wilder's proposal and that of Del. Jean Cunningham, D-Richmond, for a three-day waiting period on handgun purchases.
Milliman said Colonial Williamsburg's governing board hasn't taken a position on the gun control measures.
McMahon said the state was threatened with vacation boycotts when the legislature took up the 65 mph speed limit several years ago, but there was no decline in travel once speeds were raised.