Gas prices likely to impact summer travel

MID-MICHIGAN (WJRT) -- (04/21/08)--The American Automobile Association now says drivers across Michigan are paying an average of $3.52 per gallon for gas, the highest average on record by 2 cents.

And though one study finds that our driving behaviors aren't likely to change, some believe it will impact how people vacation this summer.

A local tourism official says though it's hard to deal with, there could be a positive impact with what we're experiencing.

The rising price at the pump has just about everyone talking.

"It's ridiculous," said Dean Meadows.

"It's definitely an issue," said Diane Johnson. "It's definitely an issue."

And it appears there's no end in sight, with gas prices projected to exceed $4 by this summer.

People are looking at ways to cut back on spending; some are even hitting the brakes a bit on summer travel plans.

"I still want to go out, you know," said JoAnn Loyd. "They want to go to Cedar Point.

"We're going down to Texas to visit family and I still want to go. I'm not going to let it stop me. We're just going to have to cut back."

"We normally go to North Carolina with our family," Meadows said. "Not sure if we're going to be able to go there."

Michigan tourism officials hope an alternative for people like Meadows will be to vacation locally.

"I think for us it may actually bring people here," said the Flint Area Convention and Visitors Bureau's Jerry Preston.

Preston is part of statewide campaign aimed at boosting tourism in Michigan. He believes the high gas prices could fuel a change that will impact the local economy for the better.

"If you're driving out of state, quite a ways a way and making a big trip, I think you're going to think twice about it, but it could very well be a positive thing for us," he said.

If prices continue to surge, an unlikely vacation destination could become a top pick.

Right now Pure Michigan has ads running in states throughout the Midwest, promoting tourism in the Flint area.

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