Poor economy clipping the wings of Alberta's winter travellers

The strugglingoilpatch and a low Canadian dollar haveput a chill on the annual exodus of Albertans taking refugein sunnier climes.

"It's certainly affecting us a lot more than it's affecting other provinces," said NikolaBerube,director of sales and marketing for the Alberta Motor Association."It's a bit of a domino effect."

Berubeadded thatwhile getawaytourismis thriving in other western regions, it's struggling in Alberta.

Locals, who haven't completely called off their winter travel plans, are choosing to vacation closer to home, said Berube during a Tuesday morning interview with Edmonton AM radio host Mark Connolly.

"A lot of people are holding off. They're still uncertain about where the dollar is going to go, what their job security is likeand maybe they're expecting some last-minute deals."

Berube said travelcompanies are "getting nervous" about the downward trend, and have started offering new incentives on tickets and getaway packages.

And with fewer travellers taking to the skies, air carriers have begun cutting back on direct, non-stop flights to sunny destinations such asMexico and the Caribbean.

As those flights are cut from Alberta's international airports, Berube suggestedthe deals being offered to travellers this season will be short-lived.

"If we aren't filling up the planes this season . . . .We generally don't get those planes back next year."

Getting a deal closer to home could also become more difficult. The lowdollar is making Alberta more attractive to travellers from the United States and abroad, which drives up costs.

For instance, hotel and tour operators in mountain destinations such asBanff and Jasper have had a record year, and that trend is expected to continue.

However, Berube saidsunseekers should not be discouraged. Those willing to shop aroundmay still be able to stretch their dollar far enough to headsouth this winter.

"Sunny travel is nourishing for the soul. And we need that here in Alberta."