More visitors this summer
Between 6-7 million visitors come to the greater Rehoboth area each summer and that means a lot of cash for area businesses. But this year more people are driving down and staying longer.
Hotel occupancy is up 10-20 percent so far over last year and park and ride services are also up 10 percent.
The reason for the boom rests with the big three- and sometimes unpredictable- elements: sun, gas and a lack of road construction.
"There are no orange barrels in downtown Rehoboth, so that's made an impact," said Carol Everhart, president and CEO of the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Chamber of Commerce. "I would say the starring role has been the weather. Unseasonably warm weather, early spring to now and that has certainly encouraged visitation to the beach."
Last year at this time, the average price of gas in Delaware was $2.94. This year it it has slightly dropped to $2.87. And less money spent on gas is giving tourists more opportunity to come to the resorts and spend at the local shops.
source: wboc.com
