Local News
3/12/2012
By GORDON JACKSON The Brunswick News
Despite the struggling economy and rising gasoline prices, tourism remains strong at Cumberland Island National Seashore.
The National Park Service reported Friday that nearly 92,000 people visited the visitor center and other facilities in St. Marys in 2011. More than 37,000 of them took the ferry to Cumberland for a day trip or to camp for at least one day on the island.
The financial impact to St. Marys, Kingsland and Camden County is estimated at more than $6.1 million, according to the report.
Superintendent Fred Boyles said he wasn't surprised by the report's conclusion. "In my mind, it confirmed the impact Cumberland Island has in the county," he said. "We've always known that sites like this have a positive effect on tourism." Boyles said tourism this year has been strong, despite rising gas prices.
"I know it's very perplexing, but the spring has been very strong for us," he said. According to the report, 52 percent of tourism dollars are for lodging, food and beverages. Retail accounts for another 29 percent, followed by 10 percent for entertainment, 7 percent for gas and transportation and 2 percent for groceries.
The spending supported 97 jobs in the area, the study concluded.
"The people and the business owners in our gateway communities near Cumberland Island National Seashore have always known the economic value," Boyles said.
Gaila Brandon, co-owner of the Riverview Hotel in downtown St. Marys, said the report did not surprise her because many of the customers staying at her hotel and eating at her restaurant are tourists planning a visit to or returning from the national seashore. "It's vital to our business," Brandon said. "When the ferry doesn't run every day during the offseason, our business drops off considerably."
Brandon said high gas prices don't concern her, based on how her business was impacted in 2008 when motorists were paying $4 a gallon. "It impacted us in a positive way," she said. "The drive market worked to our advantage. I don't expect gas prices to affect us negatively." Boyles said nearly 83,000 people visited the park service's facilities in St. Marys or went to the island in 2008.
A good number of visitors drove from the Atlanta area, but many of those staying at the hotel were from areas closer to St. Marys, she said. "We got a lot of the drive market from nearby," she said. "People weren't taking those long trips."
Other factors that may help tourism is the mild spring weather and motorized tours to the north end of the island that Boyles said are popular among visitors.
Christine Daniel, executive director of the Camden County Chamber of Commerce, said the report shows the importance of Cumberland's tourism to the local economy.
"I'm not surprised as we've always known that Cumberland Island is a jewel to our county, both in the economic sense and as a barrier island that has protected us many times in the past during hurricane season," she said. "Cumberland Island provides our community with quality jobs and it is a great place for locals and visitors alike to visit, explore and enjoy." Daniel said the chamber plays an active role marketing Cumberland and providing information about the national seashore on a daily basis. As for gas prices, Daniel said they shouldn't impact Cumberland tourism much.
"High gas prices will impact everyone, not just tourism," she said. "I think people are going to go regardless."
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