Apr 20, 2008 10:10 am US/Pacific
Rising Gas Prices May Help NorCal Tourist Spots
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5 / KCBS) ―
-
-
High gas prices posted at a Shell gas station in Palo Alto.
AP
The soaring price of gasoline may work to the advantage of some popular tourist destinations in Northern California, as many Bay Area travelers could choose to vacation close to home.
Innkeeper Richard Strom, former chair of the Mendocino County Lodging Association, said with airline ticket prices soaring, filling up the gas tank, even at $4 a gallon is a comparatively good deal considering its a short drive from the Bay Area.
And even if there is a downturn in visitors, Strom said international travelers could make up the difference.
"It's been said that California is actually on sale because the Pound and the Euro are so high. We're seeing a lot more European visitors right now because we're so cheap for them," said Strom.
Yosemite National Park is also predicting a busy summer, noting there has already been an increase in visitors.
"One of the simplest explanations for the increase is just the weather. We've been having really beautiful weather and really beautiful waterfalls, and there's a lot of access for visitors," said Yosemite Ranger Adrienne Freeman.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Cheapest Bay Area Gas Prices
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Comments