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Tourism Expert: Florida Boycott Would Pressure Workers, Not Politicians  July 31th, 2013 | WMFE - A Florida boycott in the wake of George Zimmerman's "not guilty" verdict could have unintended consequences, according to a Central Florida tourism and hospitality expert. [Image: A logo being utilized on a Facebook page called "Boycott Florida"] Civil rights leaders such as Reverend Jesse Jackson are calling for people to stop spending money in Florida on things like tourism and conventions until state leaders agree to repeal the “Stand Your Ground” law. But Dr. Duncan Dickson of UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality says if a boycott took root, Central Florida’s tourism industry may not respond the way Jackson expects. He says a drop in attendance would cause theme park operators to put pressure on workers, not lawmakers. “It’s a reactionary business. You react to what’s there before you start thinking about why, says Dickson. “So…if attendance is harmed, the people that are going to be harmed the most are going to be the entry-level line workers, because their hours will get cut.” Jackson was in Tallahassee Tuesday to join members of the Dream Defenders protest group as they began the third week of their sit-in outside Governor Rick Scott’s office. They’re calling for a special legislative session to discuss, among other issues, repealing “Stand Your Ground.” The controversial law has been in the spotlight since a jury acquitted former neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman of murder in the shooting of unarmed teen Trayvon Martin. |
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