sasha will fulfill a promise that the first lady made in july to take a family vacation to the gulf coast. they are mixing business and pleasure and overnight visit to panama beach and message to weary tourists, it is safe to go back into the water. >> this is an opportunity to highlight the notion that this important region of the country is still doing well and open for business. >> reporter: though many gulf beaches are free of oil, vacationers are slow in coming back. leaving hotels and restaurants starving for tourists at the height of what should be the busy season. this is the president's fifth trip to the gulf since the leak began in april, but the first since it was plugged. and for mrs. obama, it is a return engagement. back in july, the first lady visited the same white sands and encouraged others to do the same. >> one of the best ways that fellow americans can help is to come on down here and spend some money.