Obama taking first family on Gulf vacation, seeking to boost region’s sagging tourism industry

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Obama Gulf trip part vacation, part sales pitch

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is taking his family to the Florida Panhandle this weekend.

The trip is billed as part family vacation, part presidential sales pitch, as Obama looks to boost the region’s sagging tourism industry in the wake of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

The president, first lady Michelle Obama and daughter Sasha will spend much of their 27-hour trip to Panama City, Fla., enjoying the area’s recreational activities. Sasha’s sister, Malia, is at summer camp.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs says the president also is to meet with small-business owners and discuss recovery efforts.