Hurricane Irene no tourism disaster on LI

The Hampton Classic in Bridgehampton canceled its Sunday kickoff of world-class equine competition as the threat of Hurricane Irene trampled on plans, a revenue loss that could reach six figures for the nonprofit organizers.

"It's a fun horse show, and it's not a necessity," director Shanette Cohen said after Thursday's shortening of the eight-day event, which runs through Sept. 4 and attracts tens of thousands each year. "There's no reason why we should put people's safety in danger." Cohen plans to reschedule some opening-day events later in the week.

So far, Hurricane Irene, forecast to hit Long Island on Sunday, has rained on much of local tourism but has not yet been a disaster for the industry. Some hotels were the winners, with businesses booking rooms to make sure employees can get to work on Monday.

Places like Splish Splash water park in Calverton now expect less of a splash as the summer ends. Workers there had already stored flags and equipment that could blow away.

In Long Beach, workers Thursday dismantled tents and other structures set up for the Quiksilver Pro New York surfing competition that starts Sept. 1 and draws surfers from around the globe. They plan to put them back up on Monday or Tuesday.

At Gurney's Inn resort and spa in Montauk, some out-of-towners canceled massages and overnight stays, but that was not the reason why the phones were busy Thursday.

When Mother Nature pays a rough visit, locals know they can get appointments and rooms, said inn spokeswoman Ingrid Lemme: "Obviously, lots of people want to relax during the storm."

Thanks to four weddings, the Viana Hotel and Spa in Westbury was fully booked this weekend, said general manager Michael Papierno. The few weekend cancelations were balanced out by two big companies booking for their employees. "When bad weather comes, the hotel industry does benefit," he said.

Still, the hurricane is expected on a key weekend, the last before Labor Day marks the return to school. Tourism outfits rely on summer weekends for a big part of their revenue. Also, the lodging industry seemed to be on a recovery track from the Wall Street meltdown of 2008.

A hurricane on a weekday could affect hotels with corporate gatherings, but a weekend landfall hits leisure businesses, said Moke McGowan, president of the Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau.

"People are still traveling, but they're doing so frugally," he said. "Every bit of business is extremely important as we try to come through this recovery."