New data details impact of tourism in western UP

HOUGHTON, Mich. (WLUC)—New data is shedding light on the tourism industry’s importance in the western U.P.

A year-long economic impact study was presented Wednesday morning to local businesses and leaders. A survey led by the University of Michigan’s Economic Growth Institute detailed what the western U.P. sees tourism-wise in a typical year.

Some of the key findings were that most tourism occurs between June and September, and the median stay is four days on average. Economic Growth Institute Director of Research Sarah Crane said these findings were discovered by self-reported data during the year.

“In our report, we highlight a couple of different things. One is a really comprehensive overview of tourism patterns in the area. So this is the first time this type of data collection has ever been done in this area. The second thing that we do is look at the economic impact of this tourism spending in the region,” Crane said.

In the span of the year, the survey discovered that around $350 million went towards tourism in the regions of Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon counties. Through state and federal grants, the Western U.P. Planning and Development Region was able to fund the project.

Regional planner Lisa McKenzie said this kind of specific data is vital to the region.

“We felt that it was important to have this study completed so that we could look at our infrastructure. Perhaps do some granting agencies and look at ways to improve the experience within the Keweenaw and the entire Western U.P.,” McKenzie said.

Crane said the findings were unique because the majority of the tourism went towards the natural aspects of the region like skiing and snowboarding in the winter and hiking in the summer.

“This data can really inform local leaders in a unique way because it’s so localized and this has never been done before. So with that local data, it can help inform how investments are made, what the role of tourism is in the area, and what the potential future can be,” Crane said.

Crane said she hopes this data helps locals better understand how to cater to tourists and allow for more growth in the area.

Copyright 2024 WLUC. All rights reserved.