As gas prices rose dramatically during the spring there were many different opinions on what affect that would have on tourism at the Jersey Shore this summer. There were those convinced it would lead to a banner season because many would chose to stay close to home rather then drive to places more than a tank of gas away. On the other side were those who felt strongly that higher gas prices would especially hurt the middle class people who make most of the day or short trips to the shore and would be more likely to stay home.
Certainly it’s too early to tell what $4 a gallon gas has meant to tourism but the first official weekend of summer did not appear to be a busy one and it might only partly have to do with the economy. I woke up Sunday morning to weather forecasts everywhere that made the day look like a bust with heavy thunderstorms being called for most of the state. However around noon there I was looking at a fairly deserted beachfront in Seaside Park with golden sunshine and cool southerly breezes that made for a rather nice day. So where were the usually large daily crowds that would pack the beaches?
The answer might be with the cost of gas many won’t take a drive down to the shore unless they are sure it will be a nice day to spend on the beach.
Those in the tourism business have always believed the weather forecast plays a role, especially with day-trippers or those coming for a weekend.
That may be truer now than ever before so while I don’t want to put any extra pressure on Alan Kasper to get it right……Alan you better be on your “A” game this summer. Or as someone said to me….just predict sunshine every day and we won’t have any problems.
Congratulations to the happy couple as childhood sweethearts Brett Hardie and Jamie Hibbs were married this weekend and are now honeymooning in Mexico. The real congratulations go out to Jim and Susan Hibbs, who saw all three of their daughters married in the last couple of years and threw a great party for each and every one of them.
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