LANSING, MI- Michigans spring and summer tourist seasons fell below expectations due to high gasoline prices, low temperatures, and heavy rains. The tourist business is estimated to feed $10 billion annually into the Michigan economy. After 15 straight years of record growth, it is expected to grow by only a small margin this year.
The number of vehicles crossing the Mackinac Bridge, a key tourism indicator, was down every month from February through July. At Fort Wilkins State Park, on the northern tip of Lake Superior, attendance was down almost 5% this summer. (9/12/00)
Source: The Detroit News