For certain types of claims filed under the BP Settlement, proving causation is not required. For these claims–given their geographic location and type of activity–it is simply presumed that their economic losses stem from the April 2010 oil spill. One such category of claims are business that are located in geographic Zone A or B and that meet the definition of being in the tourism industry.
So what types of businesses are included in the definition of “tourism”? The Settlement itself contains an exhaustive list of businesses and activities that qualify, but in general, tourism means businesses which provide services such as attracting, transporting, accommodating or catering to the needs or wants of persons traveling to, or staying in, places outside their home community.
That means that the following categories of businesses likely qualify as tourism businesses:
- Gas stations
- Clothing stores
- Accessory stores
- Sporting goods stores
- Gift and souvenir stores
- Transportation services, including air, taxi, car rentals and tour operators
- Recreational goods rental
- Travel arrangement and recreational service providers
- Sports teams and clubs
- Museums
- Historical sites
- Zoos and botanical gardens
- Nature parks
- Amusement parks
- Golf courses, country clubs and other recreational services
- Lodging businesses, such as hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, campgrounds
- Restaurants and food service providers
