Turning Crisis into a Benefit

Gas prices have jumped up 12 percent in April in the Delaware Valley, and now that summer vacations are getting closer, gas prices are becoming a major concern for travelers in the area. Not only are travelers worried about spending an average of $3.63 a gallon, but famous vacation destinations in the area are worried too.

Ocean City, N.J. is a popular travel spot for those in the Philadelphia region, but gas prices are cutting into summer travel plans. Now, those from Ocean City that depend on tourism to keep their city alive are concerned for the fear of less travelers. Instead of calling this a crisis situation, the local Chamber of Commerce is turning it into a benefit.

An advertising campaign which was similar to the one during the gas crisis of the 1970s is being placed in suburban Philadelphia newspapers. They want to remind travelers that Ocean City is less than a full tank of gas away. The ads will start next week and continue through June.

Instead of panicking about the summer travel situation, Ocean City has taken matters into their own hands. They are letting Philadelphia travelers know that it is less than a tank of gas away. AND they are also telling travelers that they can still get to the beach for summer vacation, without going down to North and South Carolina and spending a fortune on gas, thus making Ocean City a more desirable destination.

*Information from www.nbc10.com