The BP oil spill incident that caused a devastating explosion along the Gulf of Mexico has kept all eyes and ears glued to a variety of media outlets since it first occurred on April 20, 2010.

Even so, all the publicity in the world couldn’t keep tourists from flocking to the Gulf Shores of Florida- at least not yet, and iTrip.net is proof.

Last week their Panama City Beach market was booked solid. All 80 vacation rental properties were occupied by vacationers eager to dig their toes into the sugary white sand and splash in the emerald green waters of Panama City Beach.

Was it caused by fascination, the tourists fascination with the beauty of this area of Florida?

Maybe it was due to the ease of flying into Panama City via their new airport, Northwest Florida Beaches International. (ECP) Whatever it was, tourists arrived in droves ready to enjoy their Panama City Beach vacations.

Although the aforementioned theories are quite plausible, one cannot over look another cause, fear- fear that the oil spill will indeed reach the beautiful white sand and emerald green waters of Panama City Beach. If it does happen, it may take some time to restore Panama City Beach to its original Utopian existence, and visitors will almost assuredly continue jumping through hoops for the chance to experience the area should it be affected.

The state of Florida and several websites are keeping a close eye on the impact of the Deepwater Horizon (BP) oil spill. Most of the websites are using real-time updates for travel conditions.

For the most in-depth coverage in the state of Florida, go to  www.visitflorida.com. Here, you will find up to date information, you can view real-time video clips of all of Florida’s cities and their beaches, you can see recently uploaded images of Florida’s beaches, and you can get real-time “tweets” from whichever Florida city you are planning to visit- all with just a click of the mouse.

As of June 8, 2010, the Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) reports that “There have been no impacts at this time, the beaches are open and the swimming is still safe. Should there be an impact, it will likely be in the form of tar balls, and should not disrupt visitors enjoying the beach.”

Besides, Panama City Beach has plenty of fabulous attractions, dining, and shopping centers to make your holiday as bright as the “Sunshine State” itself.

Discounts are plentiful, and now is the time to visit, so come on down and let iTrip.net help you find the perfect Panama City Beach vacation rental.