“Our research tells us they (Canadians) want to experience places like the Adirondacks. They aren’t familiar with the Adirondacks. With 3.6 million people, they’re (Montreal) the closest metropolitan market to us.

“That’s our focus. I think we’ll get a handle on how it (gas prices) affects travel by the fall.”

ECONOMY DRAIN

Franklin County Tourism Director Neil Seymour said that when gas prices started up two years ago he saw the same signs.

“The price of a tank of gas won’t dissuade people from taking their vacations. It may have a slight impact on the vacation plans for people within our destination marketing area.”

But what will hurt tourism is a general slowdown of the U.S. economy, he said.

“It’s a compounding effect, contributing factors all caused by the petroleum industry. People’s confidence in the economy is now lessoned. That has an impact on whether or not they will vacation.”

Consumers are hesitating on non-essential expenditures, he said.

“People are worried about how they’ll heat their homes, job losses.”

SPREADING THE WORD

Barbara Brassard, secretary of the Lake Champlain Regional Marketing Committee, said they’re trying to overcome the gas crisis by concentrating on bringing people to the area for specific events.

“Local motels are full. We’re getting people to explore their local tourist spots. You can find them on our Web site, along with coupons and some hot deals.”

She said local events, like Port Henry’s Champ Day, concert in the park series and Labor Day parade, all bring in lots of visitors.