More Gas Pain Expected
One topic will not be far from the forefront of tomorrow’s annual trade and travel show promoted by the Destination Southwest Nova Scotia Association. And we all know this is the expected price of gas for the summer tourism season. Industry soothsayers expect it to hit from $1.30 to $1.40CDN per liter which almost $5.00 a gallon for the American readers.
The association is an amalgamation of the Evangeline, Yarmouth and South Shore tourism associations and features a big chunk of rural Nova Scotia, areas which have been steadily losing tourism dollars since the first years of the new Millennium. Not only has the rising Canadian dollar and the price of oil been harsh to tourism operators in this area the Scotia Prince Ferry, a vital and regular transportation link to Maine and the American market, shut down three years ago leaving just the Cat Ferry as the major carrier. The Cat is high-speed and can carry traffic but its scheduling is not conducive to bringing regular traffic to southern Nova Scotia.
Although there is unwelcome news the association is not bowing down just yet. They know they have a great tourism product spread throughout the dozens of towns and attractions throughout the areas. In addition, it is no secret that people from all over the world are impressed by the diverse, beautiful natural and historic attractions that can be experienced within such short distances: dozens of sandy beaches, mountains, whales, eagles, lighthouses, etc.
The good news is that certain segments of the tourist population, such as RV owners, have not let the price of gas or diesel slow them down. These travelers have a fair amount of disposable income and treat higher fuel prices as a concern but not a reason to cancel the trip to Nova Scotia.
We wish our tourism friends the best for their show and the coming season.
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