TRAVEL MICHIGAN/MEDC RELEASES 2017 TOURISM ECONOMIC IMPACT NUMBERS; STATE SEES 4.2% INCREASE, MUSKEGON COUNTY SEES 3.1% INCREASE IN VISITOR SPENDING
Muskegon, MI – The State of Michigan released its annual Economic Impact of Tourism report for 2017 today, showing a 4.2% increase statewide in visitor spending, with a 3.1% increase in visitor spending in Muskegon County. The report was prepared by Tourism Economics of Wayne, Pennsylvania and London, England, an international leader in tourism research.
Statewide, visitors to Michigan spent over $24.7 billion in 2017, and over $313.3 million in Muskegon County alone, resulting in over 340,000 direct and indirect jobs in the state and over 4,600 direct and indirect jobs in Muskegon County.
2017 Tourism Economic Impact – Muskegon Employment 
“We knew 2017 was a good year for tourism in Muskegon County,” said Bob Lukens, Director of Visit Muskegon, the county’s convention and visitors bureau. “This research confirms and reinforces our belief that tourism means jobs for Muskegon County residents and revenues for Muskegon County businesses.”
The Muskegon County economic impact statistics revealed that in 2017 the following revenues were collected:
- Lodging revenues: $23.9 million
- Food & Beverage revenues: $81.7 million
- Retail revenues: $40.4 million
- Recreation revenues (including casino wagering): $41.3 million
- Transportation revenues (including local and air transport): $125.9 million
Those numbers are expected to grow in coming years as a variety of new projects are in development or underway in Muskegon County, including two new hotels under construction in Fruitport Township;
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TRAVEL MICHIGAN/MEDC RELEASES 2017 TOURISM NUMBERS, add one:
hotel renovations and additional lodging rooms in the cities of Muskegon and Muskegon Heights; restaurant, brewery, café, and retail development across the County; new park and kayak launch development in the City of Norton Shores; additional development at the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex; and development of a convention center in the City of Muskegon and a casino in Fruitport Township.
“As tourism continues to grow across the state and in Muskegon County, we’re seeing how important it is to our economy,” said Mark Eisenbarth, Muskegon County Administrator. “As the fourth largest industry in Muskegon County, we’re grateful to the municipalities, organizations, and businesses that are helping to grow the industry and create more jobs.”
“It’s an exciting time to be in Muskegon County,” Lukens said. “The tourism-related development happening here is nothing short of amazing and is shaping the County’s future. We’re truly all working together toward a common goal of making Muskegon County a premier visitor destination along the West Michigan shoreline, and people across the Midwest are noticing.”