With gas prices increasing ahead of the summer vacation season, tourism officials are marketing Ocean City as a cheaper alternative to far-off destinations.
Bill Obreiter of Zartico, the city’s data research firm, told members of the Ocean City Tourism Commission on Monday that gas prices remain a top concern heading into the summer months. While visitors will be paying more at the pump, he argued the resort is well positioned to attract regional travelers.
“So while gas prices are going to cost you an extra $15, $20 – or in the case of folks with Denalis – maybe $30 more per tank, to fill that tank, it really does pale in comparison to what airline ticket costs have been for a typical family vacation,” he said.
In an email last week, OCMD Hospitality Association Executive Director Susan Jones said Ocean City has historically fared well when gas prices increase, as higher air fares pushed travelers into their cars and to regional destinations.
Obreiter said that appears to be the case this summer, as a review of chain hotels and vacation rentals shows bookings are pacing up when compared to last year.
“I think you are in a really good place for summer, as far as your positioning and the cost of everything else,” he said.
Resort sees surge in hotel bookings for future months / Soaring fuel costs may have tourism punch
Which is it. Same source quoted for each article. I guess he can say he was right, no matter which way it goes…
Did you even read the article? They lay out pretty clearly that Ocean City gets busier in years that gas prices are high because people don’t want to travel as far for vacation.
Hopefully!!!