RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) - Gasoline prices are an important factor in the Black Hills tourist industry, so a jump in prices in March was a bit unsettling for Bill Honerkamp, president of Black Hills Badlands & Lakes Association.

"Normally, we see those increases about April 1, so we got started a month early this year."

Gas prices hit a high of $3.19 in Rapid City on Aug. 15, 2006.

Honerkamp said he's not convinced that gasoline prices alone cut into the tourism business last year. Other factors, including the psychological implications of a lagging economy and the war in Iraq, or even changing demographics in the tourist industry, may have contributed to a slower season.

He's hoping national forecasts that predict regular gas prices will settle in at about $2.75 for the summer are correct. "All we can do is keep our fingers crossed and hope it stays reasonable."