The 2022 economic impact numbers are in and it’s apparent that Michigan’s tourism industry has rebounded from pandemic-related declines in visitation and visitor spending that began in the spring of 2020.  Tourism Economics tells us that visitation neared pre-pandemic levels, growing 7.6 million to 125 million in 2022–just 600,000 travelers shy of the total number of visitors in 2019. Visitor spending surpassed pre-pandemic levels, growing $3.3 billion to reach $27.3 billion in 2022, 4% above 2019.

Visitor spending was led by growth in recreational and transportation spending. A portion of this increase can be linked to price increases–especially in gasoline–but the increase in recreational spending was more organic, led by increased demand for events, games, and activities in Michigan. Visitor activity growth was led by the overnight sector, with spending increasing $2.7 billion to reach $21.5 billion in 2022.

In total, visitor activity supported $48.5 billion in business sales across the state, generating $3.2 billion in state and local tax revenues in 2022. These sales go far beyond those from hotels and restaurants and include areas like business services, education and healthcare. The tourism industry supported a total of 324,220 jobs in 2022, 1-in-18 jobs in the state, and provided $14.2 billion in wages and proprietor income to Michigan workers.

These findings demonstrate how critically important our industry is to Michigan’s economy and reminds us of our ongoing role in supporting economic development across the state’s two peninsulas. To see the entire report, click here.

I want to thank the more than 150 volunteers who traveled to the Porcupine Mountains State Park this week in support of Michigan Cares for Tourism.  The group painted, built, reconstructed and fixed benches, buildings, yurts and trails. One team “paved the way” to create an accessible trail so that disabled travelers can reach a stunning waterfall. It was the 55^th project where tourism industry volunteers invested their money and time to make sure we are living out the “Pure Michigan promise.”  Over 11 years of service, the group has provided more than a million dollars’ worth of labor and supply savings for our natural, historic and cultural attractions.

For those who traveled to the UP’s far western side, it was obvious that fall is here, a time for ArtPrize, Detroit’s Month of Design, Frankenmuth’s Octoberfest and the Detroit Auto Show.  It’s a time to count our blessings for the privilege of living in this beautiful four-season state.

All best,
David Lorenz
Vice President
Travel Michigan
(517) 243-3073       

Images: Michigan Cares for Tourism Volunteers & Porcupine Mountains State Park

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