Even in tight times, Michigan travel can be our best bet

by: LiberalLucy

Sun May 25, 2008 at 14:25:38 PM EDT

Tourism is one of our state's largest industries, and by opting out of heading north to save money, it's money that's not going to the very people who depend on folks like me to buy pasties at their roadside stand, eat at their restaurants, fill up my tank at their gas station, stay in their hotels/campgrounds, or buy their souvenirs (Say Ya to da UP, eh?).

That's not to mention all the sales tax that the state is losing out on that would eventually find it's way back to our schools, roads, natural resources, health care, and those lucrative Pure Michigan ads that help draw folks from other states in.

Researchers from MSU project that the number of travelers in the state will drop by 2%, but travel spending will remain flat, so while it won't be going up, it's not tapering off either. Northern Michigan will see bleaker times with travel up there expected to drop by 4%, as announced last month by the Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association.

Some things haven't changed. I've still made my killer potato salad, sun block is still applied copiously while my freckles bloom, the board games and deck of cards are brought out and opened, and while I love spending time with my family, I'm still glad I don't live with them anymore.

On the other hand, many things have changed, and it gives me cause for concern. This weekend I'll be meeting up with various family members to do our grilling and spending time at the local metro park instead of a northern cottage on the lake. Money that would have been spent this weekend on gas, lodging, ingredients for s'mores and other vacation fare is being conserved for one or two longer trips to the North, where even then, I'll be watching every penny as it leaves my hand.

For those whose very means of keeping a roof over head and food on the table for their families depend on people like me to travel and splurge, it could be a tough summer, and even tougher winter.

The good news is that based on the MLTA's findings, the State Government has appropriated a record $60 million for tourism and business promotion through the 21st Century Jobs Fund that was first mentioned in Gov. Granholm's State of the State Address. Of that, $45 million will go the extremely successful Pure Michigan campaign (voiced over by Michigan native Tim Allen), and $15 million to the state's Upper Hand business marketing promotion (featuring Chelsea resident and actor Jeff Daniels).

While it's great news, the truth is that the state can market to seven ways till Sunday, but it's ultimately up to folks like you and I to keep our travel and money in Michigan where it belongs.

Instead of Niagra Falls, consider the gorgeous Tahquamenon Falls. Got kids? Skip Disney World, check out Michigan's Adventure, Mackinac Island, or the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes. I know that one of my most memorable family vacations growing up was a tour of the U.P. while we towed a rented pop-up trailer on the back of the mini-van. (Add your favorite MI destination in the comments below.)

Bush/McCain economics and recession be damned. This may be one of the leaner years of late, but like anything, if we pull together and pitch in, we can do more than just survive, we can make it and still have fun.