Survey Shows Pure Michigan Continues to Increase Travel From Outside State

LANSING -- Of those lodging and tourism businesses that track where tourists come from, 62percent reported an increase in visitors from other states over the Fourth of July, according to a recent survey of members of the Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association.

"These results are further evidence of the effectiveness of the award-winning Pure Michigan campaign," said MLTA president Steve Yencich.

Twenty percent of MLTA members responded to the survey.

Of those businesses reporting increases, more than one third saw travel from other states increase between 1 to 24 percent. Twenty seven percent saw tourism from other states increase between 25 and 49 percent. Twenty four percent of business respondents saw increases between 50 and 75 percent. Remaining respondents saw visitors from other states increase by more than 76 percent.

"More tourism means more jobs for Michigan residents, and not just in the tourism sector," said Yencich.  "Increased tourism generates more business for food and beverage companies, linen suppliers, marketing firms, gas stations, movie theatres and many others. Just as important, last year every dollar invested in Pure Michigan returned $5.76 in tax revenues to the State to help fund schools, road repair and other essential state services. Pure Michigan promotes a stronger state economy."

Based in Lansing, the Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association is a 108-year-old trade association that educates, markets, and advocates on behalf of Michigan's lodging and tourism industries.