Summer tourism forecast for Leelanau

In Tourism view: ‘Soft, not disaster”, the Leelanau Enterprise takes a look at summer tourism forecasts for our area from MSU tourism expert and professor emeritus Don Holecek. Holecek (whose full report can be seen through Absolute Michigan) said:

“Where there’ll be some impact is on the ‘weekend travelers,’ who will try to find ways of coping with the high gas prices,” Holecek explained.

Instead of coming up every weekend— the “weekenders” will come up fewer times, but stay longer to avoid the additional travel cost.

“The impact on lodging and restaurants shouldn’t be that noticeable,” he said. “Volume will be down 1 to 2 percent; spending will be even or down a little from last year and prices will be 4 to 5 percent higher.”

The article looks at special offeres from Leelanau State Park (free storage of camping trailers, motor homes, boat and trailer and other recreational vehicles) and measures others are taking to increase business.

Photo credit:  Beach Grasses by Arace