luring with fuel

One of the interesting side-effects of our current oil crisis is the unique approach that some businesses are taking by luring their customers in with the promise of cheap gas. At first, the ideas were pretty basic - spend a night at our hotel and we'll give you a $10 gas card. Then, cities like Branson went one step further and actually offered a limited time $1.99 unleaded gas promotion for visitors. A number of car manufacturers are now offering gas "guarantees" that state that they will cover the cost of any gallon that rises over $2.99 for the first year. What remains to be seen is if any of these tactics are actually working. According to all major sources, we continue to fall into a recession as each day passes, so my guess is that these "band-aid" ideas are seen as little more than gimmicks to the common consumer.

But you have to admit that it is a sad state of affairs when tourists are making their travel plans based on what kind of gas discounts they can get instead of what kind of hotel deals they can find. What is also sad is the negative effect that this is having on *all* industries - not just tourism.