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V O L . X X V I I I N O. V I M A R C H 2 1 , 2 0 2 2 6 B U S I N E S S M A I N E Business news from around the state ^Advertising offer for new business customers that have not been a Spectrum Business customer in last 30 days or a Spectrum Reach advertiser in last 12 months. Advertising available only in areas where Spectrum Reach controls advertising inventory; certain areas excluded. Must be an active Spectrum Business customer in good standing to redeem advertising offer with Spectrum Reach, or subject to cancellation. Timing / placement of advertising is in Spectrum Reach's sole discretion. Advertising offer expires 8/28/22; advertising must be completed by 1/15/23. Offer excludes political advertising or advertising placed through 3rd party agencies. Offer is non-transferable. Limited time offer; subject to change. Restrictions apply. Internet and Phone Offers: Limited-time offer; subject to change. Qualified new business customers only. 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Standard pricing applies after promo. period. Installation & other equipment charges, taxes & fees may apply. Services & promo. offers not avail. in all areas. Restrictions apply. Call for details. © 2022 Charter Communications, Inc. CALL 866-756-3407 I Visit Spectrum.com/Reach Get the best Internet and Phone for your business. 99.9 % NETWORK RELIABILITY § OVER No Added Taxes. No Hidden Fees. No Contracts. 200 Mbps 200 Mbps 200Mbps INTERNET $ 19 99 /mo. per line for 1 year when bundled with Internet** + BUSINESS PHONE New customers get 8 weeks of FREE local TV advertising with Spectrum Reach.^ BONUS $1,500 VALUE $ 49 99 /mo. for 1 year when bundled* Tourism leaders closely monitoring soaring gas prices B y P e t e r V a n A l l e n E ven with gas prices climbing in recent weeks, Maine tourism officials are optimistic this will be a strong summer season. For now at least, hospitality officials are not deterred by the higher gas prices. "I think gas prices could have a small effect. I would still bet on overall tourism numbers meeting or beating 2021. I think overall, people are anxious to get out and Maine seems to be a safe and comfortable place to do that. Also, if people are choosing to come to Maine, for the most part, hotels and restaurants can be expensive. I think the vast majority of people would still come, even with higher gas prices," said Matthew Lewis, president and CEO of HospitalityMaine, whose members are hotels, restaurants and other attractions. "It is something we will keep an eye on," he added. "In conversations with hotels about summer reserva- tions, they are above pace and looking very busy." The price at the pump declined slightly, to $4.261 a gallon on March 14, down from $4.299 the previous week, according to the American Automobile Association. Nationwide, the average was $4.325, down frac- tionally from $4.33 a week earlier. A $4 price is considered a tipping point, AAA says, but at least one state, California, has already blown past that, with an average price of $5.74 a gallon. In New England, New Hampshire and Maine have the lowest prices, within a penny of one another, while Connecticut is highest among the six states at $4.46 a gallon. Nationwide, with war in the Ukraine intensifying, the Biden administration cutting off Russian oil, and gas prices showing no signs of hitting a plateau, pre- dictions are becoming less certain. Earlier this year, Tony Cameron, CEO of the Maine Tourism Association, cited research saying 81.5% of Americans were in a "ready-to-travel state of mind." Alison P. Sucy, director of government affairs and com- munications for the Maine Tourism Association, told Mainebiz in an email that while gas prices will likely be a challenge, the association doesn't expect people to change their plans at this point. "The high gas prices are certainly a concern as Maine is primarily a drive market for visitors. However, so many people already have made summer plans and are excited to travel after the past two years that it is unlikely that those who have booked early will cancel their plans due to high gas prices. We know that many cottages, cabins, and other smaller rental units are booked for the summer already," Sucy said. There are concerns that visitors may spend less while they're here. "Retail and restaurants might see less business even if lodging stays strong," Sucy said. "Restaurants are one of the tourism sectors that has struggled the most. They operate on thin margins and have tre- mendous staffing challenges so anything that further impedes their recovery and growth is of concern." The high prices are certainly a concern as Maine is primarily a drive market for visitors. — Alison P. Sucy Maine Tourism Association B I Z M O N E Y

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