High gas prices could be good for midstate tourism

(Harrisburg) — An annual survey from the website Gas Buddy has found less people are planning to take road trips this summer, compared to last year.

That’s in part because of high gas prices. An average gallon of gas in Pennsylvania costs $3.10. Nationally, prices are at their highest since 2014.

But if more people do choose to stay local, the midstate’s economy could benefit.

Carrie Fischer Lepore, Pennsylvania’s deputy secretary for marketing, tourism, and film, said the increased price could help keep tourism dollars in the region.

“With a strong economy and growing consumer confidence, we do think that Pennsylvania will have a fantastic summer travel season as visitors from our state and surrounding states comes to ‘pursue their happiness,’” Lepore said. 

She added  the midstate is full of iconic experiences for “staycations.”

“For example, Gettysburg, which of course, with the battlefields is a huge draw. But much like Lancaster, Gettysburg is also going through a little bit of a rebranding right now where there’s so much to do in the city of Gettysburg, beyond the battlefields,” Lepore said. 

Lepore said many midstate cities are experiencing a renaissance of sorts, which could attract people from neighboring counties and states.