Escalating gas prices could boost local economy as travelers stay closer to home

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Word of a sharp increase in gas prices had some people rushing to fill up Tuesday morning before prices jumped to an all-time high at near $3.95.

In the midst of National Tourism Week this week and prime travel season, how are gas prices affecting the tourism and economy in Logan County?

“Higher gas prices encourage people to vacation closer to home,” says Candace Watson, director of Logan County’s Convention & Tourist Bureau, which could boost the local economy.

“However, most people don’t consider it a ‘vacation’ unless they travel 100 miles or more. Many people will begin to consider regional attractions versus going out of state.”

Sandy Musser, owner of the Whitmore House in Bellefontaine, has had similar repercussions.

“Our clients that are bed and breakfast guests are traveling more within a three-state area instead of taking the longdistance trips. They say that they are enjoying it just as much and are happy to see what was in their ‘back yard.’

“Promoting the Logan County area during their visit has proved to be a great boost for our business, as they have to return to see everything they want to see,” Mrs. Musser continued. “If they are on a limited schedule, we plan an itinerary for them which saves them time and money. No wasted gas trying to find a place.”

Pam Miller, director of the Indian Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, agrees that people are staying closer to home.

“I had people this weekend looking at Indian Lake because they have a vacation home four hours from their home and they are looking for something closer. They live an hour away from the lake and felt they would use it more often and their kids and grandkids would come see them more often if they were at a lake closer to home. Numerous calls for cottages and campsites have already been received at the chamber. I believe it will be a great year.”

The Logan County CTB has seen its chartered bus tour program from the spring through fall double in the past two years, Ms. Watson said. Bus tours typically come from Cincinnati, Columbus or Dayton and stay for the day.

Diane Sphar, of Ohio Travel Treasures of Cincinnati, manages one of the bus travel companies that come to Logan County and she is feeling the increase in gas prices.

“A coach that cost me $400 last year, costs $800 this year,” she says.

However, Ms. Sphar says she is seeing more tours this year.

“The day trips are taking the biggest hits. Instead of doing a day trip or staying one night, people are deciding that they will hold onto their money and do one longer trip.

“The success of Logan County (bus tours) is attributed to the boats. It’s not a typical boat cruise where you have four walls around you with climate control; it becomes more of an experience, feeling the mist of the water off the lake and the wind on your face. We promote it as an experience and that’s what people want,” she concluded.

“Camping is up 10 percent statewide at state parks based on the amount of reservations,” said Frank Giannola, director of the Indian Lake State Park.

“People tend to stay closer to home when gas prices increase, resulting in higher attendance for us. Mowing grass, however, is another issue. Expect the park to have longer grass for a longer period of time to compensate for gas costs.”

Gas prices are also an issue for Steve Graham at Tree Links Golf Course.

“Gas prices have dramatically hurt our bottom line. We have 70 gas carts along with six to eight gas/diesel mowers that mow everyday. We have already spent more by the second week of May than we did by the end of June in 2007 in fuel. The only thing I can cut is payroll which is the major expense that can fluctuate. Which means our salaried people (three of us) will have to work more to compensate. I also believe that it will hurt our business we usually get from the Columbus, Springfield and Lima areas. People will not be able to afford to drive to play golf.”

Piatt Castles in West Liberty still is determining the fallout.

“It’s hard to track the gas price impact with us due to the fact that we haven’t been open very much yet and that our spring weekend attendance always seems pretty weather related,” said Jim White, Piatt spokesman. “That being said, our attendance is down by about 20 percent over the same time last year, and the utilities are up significantly, so the budget is taking a double hit.

” In an effort to compensate for the decrease in attendance, Piatt Castles has added some outside exhibits to enhance their landscape and games and puzzles to become more child friendly.

“In the short term, we are trying to do more in Columbus and Dayton. We just were featured on Good Day Columbus on FOX 28,” Mr. White said.

“In the long term, I think we need to try to get public transportation as a viable option. In the 42 years that I’ve been buying gas, the price has only gone up and I doubt if that is about to change. Ten years ago we couldn’t imagine $4-a-gallon gas; in 10 more years we will be looking back with nostalgia at the cheap gas in ’08.”

To find out more about Logan County attractions and visitor programs, go to www.logancountyohio.com or call (888) 564-2626.

For a free Logan County visitor’s packet, stop in at the Logan County Area Chamber of Commerce.

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