Swamp tours in Louisiana post Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane RITA

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita made landfall in southern Louisiana during August and September 2005. Prior to these storms, swamp tours were a growing sector of nature-based tourism that entertained visitors while teaching about local flora, fauna, and culture. This study determined post-hurricane operating status of tours, damage sustained, and repairs made. Differences between tours that remained open after the hurricanes and those that closed were examined. A three-phase mail survey was used to collect data, with a response rate of 74%. The most common damages reported were loss of telephone service and damage to the swamp. Fewer tourists were also a problem for swamp tours. More swamp tours operating for 15 years or more remained open after the storms than those operating for less than 15 years. This study also found that a new tour, the New Orleans disaster tour, is being offered by four swamp tour businesses.