by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
With gasoline prices predicted to peak above $4 a gallon this summer, this is not going to be the year to load up the family and fill up, fill up and fill up all the way to the Grand Canyon. That’s why as part of National Tourism Week (May 10-18) Visit Jacksonville is encouraging residents to discover the vacation opportunities here in our own backyard.
According to Lyndsay Rossman, Visit Jacksonville’s director of corporate communications, travel industry studies indicate this summer will not be like others when it comes to travel.
“The Travel Industry Association surveyed more than 2,000 adults in April and determined that more than 40 percent would change their travel plans this summer due to gas prices,” she said. “Among those who said they were changing their plans because of gas prices, 38 percent said they would still vacation this summer, but they would drive a shorter distance.”
During the “Jacksonville Destination Expo” this week in the food court at the Landing, vendors from dozens of local destinations, venues and attractions have been telling people about what they offer for fun and recreation this summer.
One of the goals behind National Tourism Week each year is to “educate local residents on the value of tourism to their community both from an economic standpoint and in their quality of life.”
One of the concepts embraced by Visit Jacksonville is that the citizens of Jacksonville are one of the city’s best features and an asset for promoting the area and its attractions to visitors. That “warm Southern hospitality” plus an in-depth knowledge of the local recreational options transforms the population into an army of tour guides – or at least advisors.
Toward that end, in addition to the booths at the expo, Visit Jacksonville also partnered with more than a dozen local attractions to produce a booklet of discount coupons that is available at the Jacksonville Landing Visitors Center, the Beaches Visitor Center and the Welcome Center at Jacksonville International Airport. Downloadable discount coupons are also available at www.visitjacksonville.com/destinationdeals.
Offers include free admission to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, Adventure Landing, the Museum of Science & History and the World Golf Village. Other coupons may be redeemed for a lesson on the driving range at the King & Bear golf course, a half-price rental at Kayak Amelia or a free boarding on Sun Cruz Casinos.
The promotion is a way to help residents become more familiar with their vacation and recreation opportunities and encourage residents to save some money this summer and have an enjoyable vacation close to home.
“The costs associated with travel continue to rise and the ‘Destination Deals’ offered during National Tourism Week will give residents an opportunity to experience a travel destination in their own backyard while appreciating why millions of visitors vacation in Northeast Florida each year,” said John Reyes, president & CEO of Visit Jacksonville. “As more residents become ambassadors for Jacksonville’s tourism industry the positive word of mouth will increase the already large economic impact on the area and improve our daily quality of life.”