You could debate whether the tourism decline in Las Vegas after the Oct. 1 mass shooting that killed 58 people was directly related to the incident or some other factors. But let's face it: The tragedy did nothing to help lure visitors. Fear for one's safety is a powerful deterrent for travelers. Hotel occupancy fell 40 percent in New York City the week after Sept. 11, and 3,000 hotel workers were eventually laid off.
But local tourism boards are starting to realize they need to get out in front of making their destinations more safe. Tourism Reporter Dan Peltier's story today shows how Nashville is the latest city to work more closely with local police to boost security, including awarding grants to fund greater security measures. Las Vegas is doing the same. It's a smart strategy, especially at a time when major cities — aka tourist spots — are pinched financially to pay for police overtime and new safety programs. As the head of the Nashville tourism board told us: "Nothing is foolproof, but if one thing goes wrong, you're in for years and years of recovery."