Michigan Sees Surge in Tourism from Other States

State’s third largest industry reports travel into state is up.
1344

LANSING, Mich., July 29, 2009 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ – A statewide survey of tourism business found an increase in visitors from other states at the midpoint of summer. The Michigan Lodging & Tourism Association (MLTA) conducted the survey which included lodging properties, golf courses, restaurants, and other tourism business segments.

Of those tourism businesses which track the point of origin of visitors, fifty-nine percent reported an increase in out-of-state guests this year compared to last.

  • Forty-four percent of respondents reported an increase of up to 25%.
  • Thirty-three percent reported out-of-state visitor increases greater than 25%.
  • Fourteen percent indicated increases of 50% or more.
  • Eight percent of tourism businesses reported increase of 75% or more.

The surge in visitors comes on the heels of a national cable TV buy which placed “Pure Michigan” commercials on televisions in all fifty states. The ads ran on select national cable television networks and were buttressed by radio and print media ads in longstanding markets like Chicago, Indianapolis, Cleveland and others.

“While it’s too early to attribute these results to ‘Pure Michigan,’ it’s clear that raising our state’s visibility as a travel destination hasn’t hurt,” said Steve Yencich, President/CEO of the Michigan Lodging & Tourism Association.

The association called upon legislators to make funding for the first-ever $30 million national campaign permanent. Past studies indicate that every dollar invested in tourism promotion generates $2.86 in new sales tax revenues that otherwise would not have been received by the State.

“This campaign generates jobs and increased tax revenues for cash-strapped cities and struggling state schools. ‘Pure Michigan’ is putting our state on the minds of travelers everywhere and that’s good news for our state’s economy.”

Based in Lansing, the Michigan Lodging & Tourism Association, (MLTA) is a 104 year old trade association that educates, markets, and advocates on behalf of Michigan’s lodging and tourism industries.

Source: Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association

CONTACT: Steve Yencich of the Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association,
+1-517-267-8989, Cell: +1-517-256-5657

Web Site: http://www.michiganhotels.org