Except translation, this story has not been edited by achinews staff and is published from a syndicated feed.
With the cost of travel becoming more expensive, some Calgarians will be staying close to home this summer and taking advantage of local attractions. But with the effect of inflation, saving does not always equate to savings.
“You work hard for your money,” said Doris Richter, a visitor to the Heritage Park’s historic village, on Tuesday. “When you think a day here costs $60 just to get in – makes it a little bit harder.”
Despite the price, Richter believes it was money well spent but will next time plan to take advantage of some of the discounts available, such as annual membership to the Heritage Park.
“It’s our 60th birthday so there’s no better gift to give everyone in Alberta than lowering the price of our annual membership to $60,” said Dominic Terry with the park.
“If we can’t feel it’s something that’s accessible to everyone then we’re not fulfilling our mission.”
Like other attractions in Calgary, Heritage Park has raised its daily admission to help defray costs. Across the city, the Calaway Park amusement park is struggling with the same dilemma: how to balance affordability with operations.
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“We’re always looking at pricing,” said general manager Bob Williams. “Yet, at the same time, we have 800 seasonal team members and 42 permanent team members who work here throughout the year.”
The facility said 70 percent of Calaway Park’s visitors come from Calgary and the surrounding area, and Williams said it’s important for the park to continue its 43-year legacy in the community.
“Affordability right now for everyone is essential and we will always claim that we are family and about family.”
Although discounts are available, the rising costs are forcing Calgarians to pick and choose where they go in the coming months.
“We choose attractions that we would like to buy a season ticket for,” said Ashley Peebles, a season ticket holder at Heritage and Calaway. “We’re making sure that we bring in the allotted time that we need to make sense.”
“It’s about going to these places and maybe cutting back on the treats or the toys but still doing the experience,” added Calgarian Jenny Smith.
& copy 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
(Except translation, this story has not been edited by achinews staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
source link https://globalnews.ca/news/10587963/attractions-work-on-affordability-to-draw-staycationing-calgarians-this-summer/
