AAA sees fewer Labor Day travelers - Bizjournals.com (blog)
As Labor Day weekend approaches, the AAA Western and Central New York, as part of its national affiliation, is predicting that economic concerns may lead to less people traveling during the holiday.
Nationally, the AAA is estimating that 31.5 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more during the Labor Day holiday, compared with 32.3 million who did hit the highway last Labor Day. That translates to a 2.4 percent decrease.
The Labor Day weekend period runs from Sept. 1 to Sept. 5.
"The decline in our travel forecast is attributed to recent economic uncertainty and increasing airfares," said Tom Chestnut, AAA Western and Central New York president and chief executive officer. "The potential for a greater increase in automobile travel exists as dipping gasoline prices may influence some last-minute travel decisions."
Also looming in the background are the lingering effects from Hurricane Irene that ravaged the East Coast including popular vacation destinations downstate and in places like Vermont and the Outer Banks.
Unleaded gas, Chestnut said, is selling for $3.57 per gallon nationwide, roughly 87 cents more per gallon that last Labor Day. Statewide unleaded is selling for $3.85 per gallon while in the immediate Buffalo area it is selling for $3.78 per gallon.
The AAA reports that 29 percent of those polled said rising fuel prices may cause them to economize on travel plans.
30 Aug, 2011Covers real estate, commercial development and government
--
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNFMkkyVI0EsMPXvdt0RtqS007ioeg&url=http://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/blog/morning_roundup/2011/08/aaa-sees-fewer-labor-day-travelers.html
~
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com
