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Posted by BisonGuy (24.119.152.239) on 16:31:56 05/01/2008
In Reply to: PREDICTION: Crowds posted by Ken
Gas prices last summer were near $3.30 a gallon in West Yellowstone. Predictions were made that visitation would be down and that road trips overall would see a reduction.
Well, all the experts that predicted that were baffled. Yellowstone, last year saw record crowds, and my business personally (art sales) in the park were the highest they have ever been.
I realize now the cost of gas is even higher and the cost of everything overall has gone up, however, economists said that even though inflation has been vicious this year, first quarter numbers show growth (although slow) and economists would not officially call this a recession.
One thing I have learned having worked in Yellowstone and talking to Joe American Tourist....they want their vacation and they will be darned if they don't take it. In fact, with the dollar dropping in value, never forget how many tourists come from out of the country. Bus after bus of Japanese tourists roll through the park. Vacations in the US may seem like a deal with currency exchange rates also at new levels.
Fewer Americans will be taking trips overseas as well since their travel dollar buys less. Domestic travel will be a way to get the vacation dollar to stretch further.
Another thing about Yellowstone. In reality, a vacation to Yellowstone or other national park is quite a good deal compared to the high cost of tickets to theme parks and such. What's a one-day ticket to Disneyworld cost for just one person? The same price as an annual pa-ss to all National Parks? And that gets the family of 4 through the gates.
I've got a feeling this year will be very similar to last, and dare I say, even busier.
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