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- 19 May
AAA projects increase of Memorial Day holiday drivers this year
According to AAA, the number of Memorial Day vacationers driving 50 miles or more this year will increase 1.5% over last year to the second highest level since 2000. The report defines the Memorial Day travel period as Thursday, May 22 to Monday, May 26.
“As the economy continues to improve at a slow and steady pace consumer spending, disposable income, consumer confidence and the employment outlook are trending up which is welcomed news for the travel industry,” said Marshall L. Doney, AAA Chief Operating Officer.
There is a free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android where GPS navigation helps travelers map a route, find current gas prices and discounts, book a hotel, and access AAA roadside assistance. The gas prices displayed on the app are supplied by OPIS.
What does this mean from a fuel price management perspective? On a nationwide scale, fuel volumes should be higher than last year for the five day period of May 22 to May 26. If current retail fuel margin levels remain the same, the average retail fuel margin will be approximately $0.12 per gallon higher than last year over the Memorial Day weekend. That means we have the potential for significant profit improvements over last year for these five days.
It also means the savvy fuel retailer can make the most of this weekend by making sure the latest fuel prices are displayed on the gas price apps fed by OPIS and GasBuddy. PriceAdvantage customers such as Rutter’s and Parker’s will be using their integrations to make sure their prices are displayed prominently to the Memorial Day travelers.
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