Gasoline prices unlikely to hurt shore tourism Monday, March 20, 2000

The Associated Press

ATLANTIC CITY -- Gasoline prices are higher than ever, but New Jersey tourism officials are optimistic that the price crunch won't discourage people from visiting the shore this summer.

"I don't believe the price of a gallon of gas ever prohibited a two-hour drive," John Siciliano, director of the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority, said in a report published Sunday.

Gas prices in New Jersey have increased some 65 cents a gallon since last spring when regular unleaded gasoline was selling for 89 cents a gallon.

But history shows high gas prices rarely keep people from taking driving trips, said Colleen Healey, a spokeswoman for the Automobile Association of America. People still know it's cheaper to drive to the shore than to fly somewhere more distant, she said.

"Judging from the number of phone calls we're getting at our information center, there is still a huge interest in Ocean City," said Joann Delvescio, director of the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce.

Increasing gasoline prices likely won't change Dennis Township resident Linda Ribeiro's summer plans.

"We'll notice it in our daily budget, but it won't affect where we go," said Ribeiro, who drives a new, extended cab Chevy Silverado.

But Anthony Lauriello of North Wildwood said he won't be making any unnecessary trips in his Ford F-150 until gas prices drop.

http://www.bergen.com/region/gasprice200003205.htm

-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), March 21, 2000