The Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development District has officially released the results of its Western Upper Peninsula Tourism Impact Analysis. The final report, produced in collaboration with the University of Michigan Economic Growth Institute, shows the economic impact of tourism in Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw and Ontanagon counties. The analysis also includes information researchers collected from travelers about their travel behavior and spending habits. Data was also collected that includes a variety of characteristics and trends.
WUPPDR plans to use the impact analysis in two ways. First, to provide an objective picture of tourism’s economic impact to aid in future grant funding efforts. Second, to use the analysis to raise awareness of tourism and economic activity taking place in the Western Upper Peninsula and to inform local business owners, leaders, residents, entrepreneurs, industry and the public.
The tourism impact analysis was developed as part of a contribution to Visit Keweenaw, a project funded by a U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration Travel Tourism and Outdoor Recreation grant.
For more information on the tourism industry in the western Upper Peninsula, here is a link to that analysis.
