Now that May is here, the combination of higher gas prices and a weak economy are on the minds of potential summer vacationers. For those involved with operating and marketing heritage-related attractions, such considerations are fostering no small measure of concern.

Across the country, the impact includes the following:

There is an increase in camping reservations in New York’s state parks this year – up a full 16%.

Construction and property values increases have slowed in ex-urban areas in places like Atlanta and Washington D.C., but areas closer to town, with access to public transit and amenities, are holding their own.

Officials in Michigan speculate that higher gas prices will translate into more local tourism, with people staying closer to home – and as a result they are advertising across the Midwest.

The same conclusion has been reached in Florida, where in-state advertising will be strong this year.

On May 1, Ohio State Tourism Director Amir Eylon shared his views on how this impacts visitors to and from Ohio. According to Amir,

“Business travel is slowing down compared to last year. This is really being felt in our lodging sector right now. Consumer confidence has declined to the point where people are indicating second thoughts about vacation plans. Could this mean an increased focus on short (2- to 3-day) regional getaways? Rising gas and other consumer prices are beginning to cause consumers to re-allocate their travel expenditures. Initial indicators by national experts point to folks “downsizing” their experiences in order to still complete their travel needs.”

To read Amir’s very interesting look at the upcoming peak travel season in the current edition of BuckeyeLine, click here.

Photo: Buggy - Sleestak66/Creative Commons License