Muskegon, Grand Haven expect high gas prices to boost tourism

Tourism brings Michigan businesses millions of dollars each year, and this summer, industry experts predict higher than normal spending as tourists opt to spend vacations along the lakeshore instead of points farther north. Lake Michigan beaches, campgrounds, a thriving amusement park, and a plethora of festivals top the list attractions.

According to excerpts from the story:

Muskegon County's four-year string of a surging tourism industry is about to go full bore against skyrocketing gas prices that could reach near $5 a gallon by July 4.
And that just might work in Muskegon's favor, too.

Even in the face of Michigan's down economy, Muskegon's vibrant tourism industry has outperformed many communities around the state in recent years. The summer of 2008 will provide quite a test for a community that has tried to lure Chicago-area travelers with a marketing campaign that claims Muskegon County is "up North enough."

Read the complete story here.

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