Canadians Planning To Vacation Closer to Home This Summer

Tourist and resort operators in the Collingwood and Blue Mountain Area are anticipating a busier than average summer due to the rising cost of long distance travel.

Richmond Hill, ON (PRWEB) May 22, 2008 -- The cost of travel is going up. Every day brings yet another headline announcing further increases in the price of gas. Record-breaking gas prices and the recent introduction of substantial airline fuel surcharges by Canada's two largest carriers will have a strong impact on many Canadians' travel plans this summer. For some Canadians, long distance travel may be entirely out of reach. Others will be looking for ways to reduce the cost of travel and save some money on their summer holidays. Industry experts agree that in order to avoid the high cost of long distance travel, many Canadians will be choosing a summer vacation destination that is closer to home. This is welcome news for the Ontario resort area of Collingwood and Blue Mountain. Located at the south end of the Georgian Bay, Collingwood Blue Mountain is just a short drive for the over 5.5 million residents of The Greater Toronto Area, offering visitors an affordable summer vacation option.

In the heart of Ontario's fastest growing year-round recreation and tourist areas, Collingwood Blue Mountain has earned its reputation as a leading world-class, tourist destination. Collingwood Blue Mountain seems to have it all. Home to Ontario's largest ski hill, visitors will find a wide array of year round attractions and special events. A sports enthusiast's paradise, Collingwood Blue Mountain sits by the sparking clear waters and gorgeous sand beaches of beautiful Georgian Bay and is home to many outstanding golf courses and scenic trails.

Collingwood Blue Mountain experienced an extremely busy and unusually long winter ski season this year. This winter's strong numbers were due to favourable weather conditions, but also due to record numbers of skiers choosing to vacation at a ski resort that is closer to home. Blue Mountain actually had enough snow this year that vacationers were flocking to the area to ski well into the third week of April. Conditions were so good that many skiers from the GTA thought nothing of making the 90-minute drive to Collingwood Blue Mountain for a last minute spring getaway. Many local tourist accommodators have had little chance to rest from the hectic winter season, as the traditional unofficial start of the summer season begins with the May long weekend, when thousands of tourists invade the area.

Many tourist and resort operators in South Georgian Bay are anticipating a very busy summer due to the areas close proximity to the GTA. Sheldon Rosen, owner of The Lodges at Blue Mountain (http://www.bluemountainlodges.ca), a company that specializes in private chalet, lodge and condominium vacation rentals in Collingwood, Blue Mountain and Thornbury, has already seen a strong increase in inquiries and bookings for this summer. "Our reservations are definitely up from last year at this time. I believe that many people are choosing not to take their summer vacation out of the country this year and are instead looking at more affordable options. To make our Blue Mountain rentals even more affordable, we have started a '$100 Summer Gas Discount' promotion," states Rosen. "Collingwood Blue Mountain has so much to offer vacationers. For a fabulous vacation, I feel it rivals any destination resort area in the world, and it's only a short drive from Toronto," Rosen adds.

For the finest Collingwood and Blue Mountain chalet, lodge or condo rentals, the preferred source is the Lodges at Blue Mountain Corporation. Their extensive inventory of Blue Mountain rental accommodations includes slope side and golf course homes, luxury chalets, townhouses and condominium units. Choose a vacation rental with upgraded features such as private pool, hot tub, sauna, air-conditioning and spectacular Blue Mountain views. Visit http://www.bluemountainlodges.ca to view their extensive list of Blue Mountain private rental properties or call toll free 1-877-368-2583.

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