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July 6, 2008

Gas prices versus tourism

<a href="mailto:lmckinstry@pressrepublican.com">By LOHR McKINSTRY</a>

LAKE PLACID — Higher gas prices haven’t had a huge impact on Adirondack tourism just yet.

Tourism officials like Lake Placid-Essex County Visitors Bureau President James McKenna say they’re being “cautiously optimistic” that people will come to the Adirondacks this summer.

“The only thing we really know is that we don’t know. There’s no trend right now.”

They’ve sampled lodging operators on bookings, he said.

“I’m hearing consistently that June was a little stronger than last year. Reservations for the summer are equal or a little better than they were last year. I’m also hearing consistently that the lead time to make decisions (like vacationing) is getting shorter.”

Kevin Heckeler, a hiker and nature photographer who lives in West Sand Lake near Albany, said the gas situation means he’ll take fewer trips to the Adirondacks but will stay longer when he does come up.

“I think the tourism industry will see a shift from fewer weekends to more weekly visitors. How fewer regulars compare to the increased revenue from more weekly tourists will take time to figure out.”

He said he loves to hike in the Adirondacks and hopes he can continue to afford to do so.

“The Albany area is a huge source for tourism money for the Adirondacks but just not the long-vacation dollars. If you lose the two-to-three-hour-drive window visitor, it can't be helping, just because of the sheer number of them.

“It’s all speculation right now; we’re in uncharted economic territory.”



LURING CANADIANS

The Visitors Bureau, which markets Essex County with more than $1 million it gets in county occupancy-tax money, switched to destination-based advertising a couple years ago.

“If it wasn’t for event-driven tourism, it would be more difficult,” McKenna said. “Average daily rates aren’t increasing like they were in years gone by.”

He said the fall is a concern, and the Visitors Bureau plans to concentrate its autumn marketing efforts toward Montreal.

“Our research tells us they (Canadians) want to experience places like the Adirondacks. They aren’t familiar with the Adirondacks. With 3.6 million people, they’re (Montreal) the closest metropolitan market to us.

“That’s our focus. I think we’ll get a handle on how it (gas prices) affects travel by the fall.”



ECONOMY DRAIN

Franklin County Tourism Director Neil Seymour said that when gas prices started up two years ago he saw the same signs.

“The price of a tank of gas won’t dissuade people from taking their vacations. It may have a slight impact on the vacation plans for people within our destination marketing area.”

But what will hurt tourism is a general slowdown of the U.S. economy, he said.

“It’s a compounding effect, contributing factors all caused by the petroleum industry. People’s confidence in the economy is now lessoned. That has an impact on whether or not they will vacation.”

Consumers are hesitating on non-essential expenditures, he said.

“People are worried about how they’ll heat their homes, job losses.”



SPREADING THE WORD

Barbara Brassard, secretary of the Lake Champlain Regional Marketing Committee, said they’re trying to overcome the gas crisis by concentrating on bringing people to the area for specific events.

“Local motels are full. We’re getting people to explore their local tourist spots. You can find them on our Web site, along with coupons and some hot deals.”

She said local events, like Port Henry’s Champ Day, concert in the park series and Labor Day parade, all bring in lots of visitors.

Information kiosks are being erected in communities between Whitehall and the Canadian border, Brassard said, as part of a Lake Champlain marketing project.

“Ours will go in the pocket park at Mac’s Market in Port Henry. They’ll tell people what’s going on locally.”



STRONG DOLLAR HELPS

At Ausable Chasm in southern Clinton County, Tim Bresett said high gas prices don’t seem to be having much of an impact on attendance at the scenic attraction.

“The (strong) Canadian dollar has helped offset the gas prices. We don’t see much of a decrease (in attendance). We’re packed this (Fourth of July) weekend. Our campground is full.”

He said they have so many people coming to camp they’re offering them overflow tent space in fields.

“We’re off to a great start. We’re having our busiest weekend of the year.”



E-mail Lohr McKinstry at:

lmckinstry@pressrepublican.com



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