Orlando shooting may impact city’s tourism, local economy

World Today

Presidential nominees take on gun control after Orlando shooting

As Orlando’s residents come to terms with the tragedy at the Pulse nightclub, the city’s tourism industry is bracing for the impact on the local economy.

CCTV’s Steve Mort reports from Orlando.
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Orlando is a major tourist destination for Americans and many overseas visitors, thanks to Disney World, a resort that has helped shape Orlando’s economy since the 1970s.

The hospitality industry is the backbone of Orlando’s go-go economy, raking in about $ 60 billion every year, making Orlando the largest destination in North America.

Other sectors of the economy are growing in Orlando too, but tourism has always been the pillar.

Now some analysts say that the shooting at Pulse may have a negative impact on Orlando’s reputation as a family-friendly destination.
Visitors who are currently in Orlando have expressed concern.

However, local leaders say they refuse to let this tragedy shape the reputation of Orlando.

Many tourism industry experts expect Orlando to take a short term hit from the events at Pulse. The longer term damage to this city’s reputation may take some time to gauge.


Presidential nominees take on gun control after Orlando shooting

The Orlando shooting has raised questions of gun control in the U.S. once again.

Like what happened after previous atrocities where firearms were involved, the Orlando attack has brewed arguments from the pro- and anti-gun lobbies.

CCTV’s Jim Spellman reports.

In wake of the Orlando shooting, presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton is pushing to reinstate a ban on so-called assault weapons: high power military style rifles like the one used by the shooter in Orlando.

But such a ban is opposed by most Republicans including Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, who suggests that more guns might be a solution, armed patrons of the Pulse nightclub could have fought back.

Learn more about the gun used in the Orlando shooting


Trump and some other Republicans, despite their proposal for more guns, have signaled a willingness to restrict people on terror watch lists from buying guns.

The NRA gun lobby is now open to such a measure. In a written statement, the NRA said, “Anyone on a terror watch list who tries to buy a gun should be thoroughly investigated by the FBI and the sale delayed while the investigation is ongoing.”


Clint Van Zandt talks about Orlando shooter Omar Mateen

For more on the Orlando shooter’s profile, CCTV America’s Elaine Reyes spoke to former FBI Agent Clint Van Zandt who served as a profiler and the agency’s Chief Hostage Negotiator.