Fewer people ventured to Michigan’s getaway hotspots over the Memorial Day weekend, but officials still believe the state will see a strong tourism season this summer.
It’s hard to say just how much tourism revenue was down over the weekend that marks the economic start of summer.
While some food and entertainment venues in the northern Lower and Upper Peninsulas were open, many businesses in other parts of the state were curtailed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s ongoing stay at home order.
Dave Lorenz with Pure Michigan says research suggests Michiganders are eager to travel this summer.
“So, there’s this huge pent up demand from cabin fever,” Lorenz says. “All that is going to combine into this opportunity for travel that’s going to blossom quickly.”
Lorenz says a growing number of people view travel less as a luxury than a right, and a big part of their family lifestyle.