Tourism has solidified its position as a cornerstone of Michigan's Upper Peninsula (UP) economy, with a recent economic impact analysis revealing a $1.6 billion in visitor spending for 2023. This figure represents a 7.7% increase from the previous year, showcasing the sector's robust growth and its pivotal role in the region's economic landscape. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation's report provides a detailed breakdown of this spending, highlighting the significant contributions of various counties and sectors to the UP's tourism success.
Mackinac County emerged as the leader in visitor spending, with tourists contributing $309.4 million to the local economy. Marquette and Chippewa counties followed, with $268.3 million and $176.2 million in visitor spending, respectively. The analysis also shed light on spending patterns across different sectors, with lodging expenditures reaching $484 million. Mackinac County alone accounted for $116.5 million in overnight stays, underscoring the county's appeal as a tourist destination.
Food and beverage services, particularly in Marquette County, and outdoor recreation spending, which totaled $351.9 million, were other key drivers of the UP's tourism economy. Beyond the direct financial impact, the tourism sector supported 11,643 direct jobs and a total of 17,049 tourism-related positions, accounting for 11% of the region's workforce. In counties like Mackinac and Keweenaw, the reliance on tourism employment is even more pronounced, with 34.2% and 32.2% of their workforce connected to the industry, respectively.
The economic benefits of tourism extend to labor income and tax revenues, with $654.8 million generated in labor income and $170.9 million contributed to state and local tax revenues. Menominee County stood out for its remarkable 11.8% year-over-year growth in tourism, the fastest in the region. Tom Nemacheck, Executive Director, highlighted the industry's critical role in supporting communities, businesses, and the workforce, pointing to the UP's potential for further growth by expanding tourism offerings and promoting sustainable travel experiences.
For more information on the economic impact of tourism in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, visit https://www.michiganbusiness.org.
