Michigan State University researchers are predicting a good year ahead for the state’s tourism industry.
MSU’s Sarah Nicholls predicts a 3% increase in tourist traffic, and a 5% increase in spending.
Nicholls says Michigan tourism has rebounded well from the Great Recession, with year-over-year tourism spending up between 2-3% each year over a 4-5 year period.
“Back in 2009, hotel occupancy across the state was around 48%. We’re now back up to 60%,” says Nicholls.
Nicholls does not expect the national negative publicity surrounding the Flint water crisis to affect Michigan’s tourism industry.
