Vermont Announces Annual Summer 'Vermont Fuels Your Vacation' Promotion
MONTPELIER, Vt. - Governor Jim Douglas has announced that the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing will kick off its third annual fuel-themed tourism promotion to encourage visitors and Vermonters to explore the state this summer.
"Vermont Fuels Your Vacation" is a 15-week promotion featuring a $100 gas card giveaway every week. Vermont residents and non-residents can register to win at www.VermontVacation.com/fuel and gas cards may be used at participating gas stations in Vermont. Entries will be accepted from June 16 through late September with the first gas card giveaway drawing on June 23.
"Vermont is well positioned geographically because it is within a 300-mile radius of more than 80 million people who may opt for shorter drives and closer destinations this summer," said Governor Douglas.
Six of ten (59 percent) Americans who are currently planning a trip with their car, truck or SUV this summer will not change their travel plans even with additional increases in the price of gas, according to the Travel Industry of America.
Still, travel-related fuel promotions are continuing to grow in popularity. Established in 2006, the "Vermont Fuels Your Vacation" promotion received an average of 240 entries per week last summer. Several inns and lodging properties around the state are currently offering fuel-saving packages and gas card promotions to attract visitors as well.
"The cost of gas continues to be a topic of concern for people, so this promotion is definitely a great way to attract visitors and encourage residents to explore all of the great things Vermont has to offer," said Tourism and Marketing Commissioner Bruce Hyde. "The 'Vermont Fuels Your Vacation' clearly resonates with consumers and provides a positive twist on some of the constant coverage of rising fuel prices."
Visitors make an estimated total of 13.4 million trips to Vermont. Thirty-seven percent of those visitors come to Vermont during the summer, making it the busiest time of the year in terms of total visitors. Total direct spending by visitors adds an estimated $1.57 billion to the Vermont economy annually and supports more than 36,000 jobs for Vermonters.
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