Shark Sightings Spark Tourism

I am a huge fan of shark week on the Discovery channel every year and have always wanted to get in one of those cage things to get up close with sharks in the water. So I am not at all surprised at what is boosting tourism on Martha's Vineyard this summer.

Whether it thrills you or scares you a recently released study from the the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows that great white shark populations are rising along the East Coast of Canada and the United States. And it's doing wonders for tourism!

Now don't get all panicked about hitting your favorite Cape Cod or Martha's Vineyard beach this season. Before 2004, two shark sightings a year were the norm, so even three sightings is considered a rise in populations.

But if you are a shark fanatic, or just a fan of Jaws, you like hundreds of others this summer may be heading for the Vineyard!

With the area's tie in to Steven Spielberg's iconic movie, tourists looking for sharks are heading here to see them. And really who wouldn't want to actually see a shark off the island's shores!?!

But it's not just the beaches getting better business. Once the tourists make their vacation plans the entire area benefits from their spending. Hotels, restaurants, bars and more reap the rewards.

In fact Outside Online reports that one local theater is screening the 1975 classic all summer long and several stores say they can't keep shark merchandise on the shelves.