Will higher gas prices impact tourism on the Outer Banks?

The Coastland Times and The Virginian Pilot both had articles recently about the impact of higher gas prices on tourism dollars spent on the Outer Banks.  Carolyn McCormick from the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau was quoted:

People tend to make the trip even when gas prices are high, said Carolyn McCormick, visitors bureau director. But they may cut back in other places.

"Gas prices are certainly going to have an impact on discretionary spending," she said. "Unfortunately, eating out seems to be one of the things people are going to pull back on. Retail might be a little bit strapped."

I believe Carolyn has hit the nail on the head.  This morning through Google Alerts, I found a blog from Jack Landers who lives outside of Charlottesville Virginia discussing the impact the higher prices will have on his trip next week to Corolla on the Outer Banks. 

The problem as I see it is the hype associated with the current issue of the day (CNN is airing a story about the cost of driving as I am writing this post).  Would you consider not taking a vacation on the Outer Banks because you are worried about the cost of gas?  If you listen long enough to some of the media outlets, you might consider it.  Lets look at the real facts for someone that lives in Philadelphia and vacations in Nags Head.  Round trip mileage is about 700 miles.  Add another 100 miles driving around the beach and your odometer totals 800 miles.  If you car only gets 25 miles per gallon, the total trip will take around 32 gallons. 

If the gas were $1 less per gallon, you would only save a whopping $32 for the round trip.  Is that enough of a negative impact that you would consider not eating at Kelly's while at the beach?  Come on down to the Outer Banks and enjoy yourself.  Pack a cooler with bottled water and you will save $32 vs. buying it at gas stations on the way. 

Comments

[Paula The Surf Mom]

I don't know what gas prices will do to us this year, but I own 3 rental houses and two of them are booked solid until the middle of September.

Now thats not say everyone will show up, but it is the first time since we got these houses that we have had solid bookings like this, so I think we are going to have a pretty good year.

Now lets just hope we have a mellow hurricane season.

[Katie Mascio]

Yes.... very well said Ronnie. Those are good points to keep in mind! We have wonderful resturants on the OBX, my fav is the Black Pelican :) Don't forget to leave good tips. It's not the waiters fault gas prices are sooo high, they have to put gas in there cars too.