Today's News - March 17, 2000 GAS PRICES WORRY TRAVELERS

RON COOPER / Statesman Journal Fuel costs $1.70 at the coast But Oregon merchants do not expect a drop in tourism.

SUZANNE MARTA, Statesman Journal

When Rich Giboney calculated how much it would cost to drive to San Diego and back, he did what most other college seniors would: invite friends.

Giboney, 22, had planned the trip to Southern California for himself and his roommate at Western Oregon University. But gas prices have climbed so high, they doubled their party to split the cost.

It was just too expensive for two people, Giboney said. Its going to cost more for gas than it is for us to rent a car for the week. I just hope it doesnt go up too much more before we drive back.

Travelers may be facing sticker shock at the gas pumps, but merchants in tourist destinations dont expect to see a drop in business.

If anything, gas prices will help boost business as travelers opt to vacation within the Beaver State rather than taking long driving trips. Prices have leaped over $1.70 a gallon for regular along the coast but have crested $2 in Northern California.

People driving within 300 miles arent expected to change their plans, said Fran Mathews, owner of Marine Discovery Tours on Newports bayfront district. Thats where most of our business comes from.

Next week, when most of Oregons school districts are off for spring break, will be an indicator of the tourism season. It is the first of a five-weeklong spurt of business. Idahos spring break is the last week of March. Washington schools split between the first two weeks of April, and Northern California schools are off a month from now.

This first solid week of business is the barometer of how the season is going to be, said Guy Di Torrice, who manages the Central Oregon Visitors Association and the Oregon Coast Visitors Association.

This year, rising gas prices are the least of worries for coastal businesses. Mud slides along Highway 101, a popular touring route for travelers, have prompted many potential travelers wondering if they can get through.

Half of all my calls have been from people asking if the roads are closed, Di Torrice said.

Oregon Department of Transportation crews have been working to fix the damaged section of the highway since the first slide in December.

Starting today, ODOT will reopen the one-mile section of road south of Yachats and north of the Sea Lion Caves. The road is open to one-way traffic between noon and 8 p.m., weather permitting. If heavy rains threaten more slides, ODOT will close off the road.

The national scope of rising gas prices is also expected to minimize local impact. Todd Davidson, executive director of the Oregon Tourism Commission pointed to last year, when Oregons prices were higher than the rest of the nation.

Oregons summer got off to a soft start last year because of publicity about rising gas prices, Davidson said. If gas prices are rising across the country, then were on a level playing field in the minds of consumers.

Oregon is still a fairly economical destination, Davidson said. Price is only one factor. Oregon has no sales tax and visitors take that in consideration too.

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-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), March 18, 2000