Gas prices may bring boost to local tourism
Cumberland Times-News
If there is a silver lining in the rising cost of gasoline prices it might be that Western Maryland tourism will see a boost this summer.
In the spring and summer of 2008, gasoline prices increased to the $3.60 to $4 range. When that occurred people started taking “staycations,” a term meaning they were taking a vacation near home, rather than to far distant points.
Experts are predicting gasoline to far exceed $4 per gallon this spring and summer, creating a situation similar to 2008.
Dave Williams, whose firm has long helped to promote tourism in Allegany County, said the fact that the county is only two hours from the Washington and Baltimore beltways is a big asset when people are worried about saving on gasoline costs. This year his firm will use the slogan “Drive Less — Do More” to highlight the fact that Western Maryland is not far away for downstate residents and they should consider penciling in Western Maryland as a vacation destination while gas prices are high.
With such attributes as Canal Place and the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, state parks and forests, Cumberland and Frostburg arts districts, Rocky Gap’s convention center and golf course and Deep Creek Lake, there is plenty for a vacationer to like about our area. Additionally, the Great Allegheny Passage was not completed back in 2008, and now hikers and cyclists have the bike trail as another big reason for visiting here.
Tourism continues to be a major element in the local economy. If $4-per-gallon gas prices result in more visitors to the region, at least that will be one benefit from the pain at the pump.
More here.
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