Tourism Industry Impacts

WUPPDR has given considerable attention to the impacts of tourism and the hospitality industry since the onset of the pandemic. Tourism is a critical part of the regional economy but is not always given credit for the full range of impacts it creates.

In 2022, WUPPDR worked with the University of Michigan Economic Growth Institute (EGI) to secure funds from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to conduct a regional economic impact analysis of tourism. The comprehensive project included extensive research, including seasonal surveys of visitors to the region, in order to conduct input-output modeling of economic impacts. The project was completed in May 2024. The final report, “Understanding Tourism Impacts in the Western U.P.,” can be viewed below.

WUPPDR was the grant recipient and performed local outreach while providing regional insights to the project team, but EGI coordinated the research process and developed the report. Visit Keweenaw also contributed extensive time and some funding support to the project.

The economic impact modeling will be used in two main ways. First, by objectively illustrating the economic impacts, the analysis will help to build the case for funding future projects (e.g. infrastructure) that have a basis in tourism, and the report can be used as supporting documentation. Second, the analysis raises the profile of tourism as an economic driver and thus can be used to educate and “message” to officials and the general public about the significance of the industry, both regionally and in their local areas.

Thanks to the many chambers of commerce, destination marketing organizations, and other local organizations that participated in the project by contributing their time and local insights. WUPPDR hopes the results of the project will be useful to localized efforts, and we intend to utilize the material for future regional initiatives.

For more information about the project, contact Jerry Wuorenmaa at jwuorenmaa@wuppdr.org or (906) 482-7205 ext. 111.