MARQUETTE, MI — Tourism in the Upper Peninsula has been stellar over the pandemic, but a deflated economy will likely make sure record numbers won't continue into this summer.
Tom Nemacheck is Executive Director of the Upper Peninsula Travel and Recreation Association. He says officials are touting the region's natural resources — much of which are free to see.
"Ninety-ine percent of our attractions are free, flat-out. You can see all 300 waterfalls for free."
He says with the economy the way it is, tourism officials can predict a good—but not great—summer.
"I can tell you that we're already seeing a softening in reservations as compared to the last two years. But the way I look at that is, the last two years were beyond belief, how busy we were."
Tourism is one of the top three economic drivers of the U.P., along with forest products and medical services. It represents $2 billion a year.