Pocono News Section

Holiday Weekend Travel Predictions

Holiday Weekend Travel Predictions - Thursday, September 3, 2009 at 4:11PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Thursday, Sep 3, 2009 @ 04:11pm EST
SCOTRUN, MONROE COUNTY - For many people the Labor Day Holiday weekend starts Friday. The Wilkes-Barre AAA office estimates about 14% less people will travel this year than last year. The organization blames a late holiday and economic uncertainty. But at least one Pocono resort isn't worried about it.

The Great Wolf Lodge and indoor water park expects a deluge of guests for the holiday weekend. General Manager Patrick Alvarez said, "Labor Day is looking great."

Guests like the Ross family from Long Island will fill the hotel just like they have all summer long. Jack Ross said, "I think it's great. I love the water slides."

While a rainy summer slowed down business at other resorts, Alvarez said Great Wolf Lodge didn't have a problem because it's indoors.

Jason Ross said, "This afforded us the opportunity to say if it is cold or it is raining, we could be inside." He and his wife Reva booked a vacation at Great Wolf because they were tired of the dreary summer and worried rain would wash out their fun.

They also liked that the park is just a two hour drive from their home. Alvarez said that's a big trend. He explained, "They're not taking the big vacations like the cruises or the Disneys maybe, but they're certainly staying close to home."

He also said Great Wolf's booking numbers are just as good this year as they have been in the past and that's a splash of good news for the Pocono's biggest industry, tourism.