Slow start for summer tourism

Source: Detroit Free Press
Foul weather and higher gas prices conspired to keep some vacationers from straying too far from home in Michigan over the Memorial Day weekend.

The nasty combination made it difficult for some establishments to match last year's levels of visitor traffic for Memorial Day, according to preliminary surveys released Tuesday by travel organizations.

Zehnders Resort of Frankenmuth, a restaurant, hotel and golf course, said sales were essentially flat compared to last year.

But perhaps just as important, a slow start could put a damper on the travel plans of many Michigan residents.

"It was wet and cold over the weekend. And the dominant reason for traveling in Michigan is typically the weather," said Don Holecek, director of the Michigan State University Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center in East Lansing. "The thing that is bothersome about this Memorial Day is that this kicks off the outdoor activity season on somewhat of a bad note."

Meanwhile, the growing sensitivity to escalating gasoline prices is starting to have a direct impact on travel plans during the summer, according to survey data being gathered by Michigan State University. Results will be released in a few days, Holecek said.

The average price for regular unleaded gasoline rose 9 cents to $1.92 a gallon last week, according to a survey of 300 service stations conducted by AAA Michigan.

That price is 3 cents below the statewide average price of $1.95, which was recorded last Thursday following a price surge of as much as 30 cents a gallon in one day.

But Michigan gas prices are still 37 cents higher than the $1.55 paid a year ago. The four-week average for gas prices in Michigan is $1.90

Last week, Metro Detroit prices -- $1.90 -- were also up 9 cents from the previous week.

Nonetheless, there is hope that the Fourth of July and Labor Day holidays will have better travel figures than last year because the weather is expected to be more cooperative.

The West Michigan Tourism Association estimates that tourism statewide will generate 3 percent more revenue than last year's $11.68 billion.

"We do expect that the summer season is going to be good for us this year, even though the gas prices are high and the economy is a bit shaky," said Diana Stampfler, spokeswoman for the West Michigan Tourism Association.

Almost half of all tourism activity takes place in June, July and August. Michigan is ranked sixth in the nation as a tourist attraction and fourth in the nation for the number of residents who vacation in their home state.

Asked if he is concerned about prices continuing to rise this summer, John Shelton, vice president for sales and marketing at Zehnders said yes.

"I think we all are," he said. "But, I don't think prices will keep people from traveling. Our fear is, how often they will travel?"

Despite some pessimism, AAA Michigan projects a 3-percent increase increase in summer tourism traffic in the state.

Several other vacation spots around Michigan reported increased visitor traffic at their establishments, over the weekend.

Sleeping Bear Dunes near Traverse City and Pictured Rock National Lake Shore both said business was good over the holiday. Hartwick Pines State Park said it had more than 800 visitors on its walking trails on Monday alone.

"From what we know, people said they were still traveling," said Nancy Cain, spokeswoman for AAA Michigan. "They may cut back on certain areas of their travel itineraries, but we don't see them cutting their trips back altogether."
Source: Detroit Free Press