(EMAILWIRE.COM, May 17, 2008 ) Minden, Ontario -- This year’s summer vacation may be a little bit different for the many Canadians who traditionally use their summer break to travel to faraway lands and exotic destinations abroad. Soaring gas prices and the recent fuel surcharges announced by Air Canada and West Jet - Canada’s two largest airlines, are bound to have an effect on discretionary air travel. Industry experts are already predicting that Canadians may vacation closer to home this year. This development is very good news for Ontario’s resort operators and those in the Ontario travel and tourism industry. Record breaking prices for filling their cars with gas and the new airline fuel surcharges are bound to force many Canadians to rethink their long distance holiday plans.

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada predicts that soaring gas prices and fuel surcharges may convince many Canadians to forgo air travel and stay a little closer to home when planning their annual summer vacation. Canadian travellers will find it more economical to vacation closer to home. Tourist operators in Ontario resort destination areas like Muskoka and Haliburton stand to gain the most from this new development. Tourism is extremely important to the local economies, providing thousands of jobs annually. Any increase in tourism to these areas benefits the entire community.

According to Ontario resort operators Arend and Conny Meiling of Heather Lodge (http://www.heatherlodge.com) in Ontario’s Haliburton Highlands, summer bookings are already up over last year. “We have noticed a significant increase in business from last year and are certain it is due in part to the price of gas. Heather Lodge is located just two hours north of the Greater Toronto Area. That’s a relatively short and inexpensive trip for the more than 2 million people that live in the GTA. For those who don’t want to drive, there is daily bus service from Toronto to the town of Minden - close to the lodge. Bus travel is a great option for seniors”, states Arend. “Many of our customers have told us that due to the high cost of air travel they plan to travel outside of the country much less. The high cost of gasoline may turn some Americans away from traveling to Ontario, but really they are less than 5% of our business”, adds Conny.

For those that can afford it, higher prices will have little impact on vacation plans. However, a great many Canadians will be forced to change their travel patterns due to the rising cost of air travel. While Canadians will certainly continue to travel for the foreseeable future, they will perhaps vacation less often, travelling for shorter distances to destinations closer to home.


About Heather Lodge:
Heather Lodge is a charming adult orientated lakeside inn on beautiful Twelve Mile Lake in the scenic highlands of Haliburton, Ontario. Combining old world charm with modern upscale amenities, this landmark resort property has been extensively upgraded. Heather Lodge offers luxurious lakeside studio accommodations, honeymoon suites, and fine dining in a private wilderness setting. To book your Ontario summer vacation, romantic couple’s getaway, or special package, visit http://www.heatherlodge.com or call 1-800-362-6676.


Contact Information:
Heather Lodge
Arend and Conny Meiling
144483 Hwy #35
RR #2
Minden Ontario K0M 2K0
Toll free: 1-800 362-6676
Local: 705-489-3257
reservations@heatherlodge.com
http://www.heatherlodge.com

Contact Information:
Heather Lodge
Arend and Conny Meiling
Tel: 1-800 362-6676
Email us


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