Who thinks that the gas prices will reduce the seasonal crowds this summer? If gas reaches $4/gallon, I bet there will be a big impact. Good for surfers, bad for local businesses.
i doubt it is going to effect anything. gas is already over $4/ gallon in some places and on the news they said a car that gets 23 mpg, it costs $43 for a round trip to ocean city from baltimore
I'd say there will be direct and indirect impact. Less people wanting to spend the gas money. But more significant is how much the high gas prices are effecting the whole economy in general. So, in general people will have less money to spend on condo/beach house rentals and what not...
I have a couple of hotel owner friends and they report that spring bookings were slow; however, summer bookings are about on par with last year.
the people will come, its still one of the cheaper vacations around, and we have 4 major cities (not counting VB/norfolk/r-mond, as they go to the 'banks) w/in 4 hours! they wont be buying as much product, they wont be going out to eat as much, etc... thats where the local economy is going to feel the pinch. the intangibles... of course, its very tangible if you own a local tourist based business!
alot of people that would be going to exotic destinations will probably be coming down here instead just to save a few bucks. we're screwed any way you look at it. wake me up in september.
