CNN Features Nakations Nude recreation, and how it is faring in today’s economy, was the focus of a cover story on CNN.com. According to the article, while some nudist resort owners say they are cutting back because of the economic downturn, others are breaking even or expanding their budgets this year, making Nakations a top travel trend that isn’t hurting like many other travel venues. Five AANR-affiliated clubs are profiled in the feature, and a link was provided to AANR’s club pages. Several clubs who were not mentioned directly nevertheless played a pivotal role in conveying the strength of the nude recreation market. The impressive growth of Lake Como Family Nudist Resort in Lutz, Florida; as well as Oaklake Trails in Oklahoma, home to AANR’s 2009 Convention; plus Desert Sun Resort in Palm Springs, California;and Abbott’s Glen in Vermont were all cited as evidence of what the industry has accomplished. Representatives from each of those clubs took the time to interview with CNN reporters in preparation for the article. Many places on the Internet--from online blogs to major newspapers--have picked up the story. Laguna del Sol had a very positive visit from a local television station, as well as additional pickup for Sun Meadow Resort in Idaho. A number of stories reached Canada also. Without a doubt the CNN article has prompted many, many discussions about nude recreation across North America. Click here to read more. Help Clean Up The Beach For many years there was a place on the Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland you could enjoy if you didn’t want to have to wear a swimsuit. Government policies changed that, but you can help us get a clothing-optional section restored. The American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) and its region affiliate, AANR-East, have been working for change. Change starts by showing seashore staff that those who want a nude area are good neighbors. We have a CLOTHED cleanup event planned on April 18, 2009, and we would love to have FRIENDS LIKE YOU join us. The group will meet at 8 a.m. in the parking lot in front of the bath house which is located right next to the concession stand in the State Park section. To sign up and for additional information, please contact Ray Simpson, our event coordinator. Please include your name, e-mail address, and phone number when signing up. We will need to contact you in case of any last minute updates or changes. See you there! 
North Carolina Beach Ban In other beach news, sunbathers in Brunswick County in North Carolina may no longer be able to sunbathe nude. The Star-News of Wilmington reports that officials are trying to ban nude sunbathing on Bird island, which has long been a gathering place for those who enjoy sunbathing au naturel. A local physician complained about nudity after visiting the popular beach with his children. County Commissioner Marty Cooke said that Bird Island is not an officially sanctioned nude beach and nude sunbathing there is against the law. Cooke says he will work with the Brunswick County Sheriff's office and will place a sign banning nudity on North Carolina's side of the island. The western portion of the beach is in South Carolina. Click here to read more. Australians Want More Nude Beaches Positive beach news can be found in The Advocate, which reports that over 40 percent of travelers feel that nudist beaches would boost tourism numbers in Australia. A survey of more than 1,250 people at travel website totaltravel.com, asked whether more nude sunbathing beaches should be allowed to boost tourism. Paul Fisher, the website's spokesperson, said that many who responded in favor of nude beaches saw no problem as long as there was appropriate signage marking the beaches. Click here to vote and read more.
|
