Experts said the projected decline in travel volume and spending comes as no surprise to many already feeling the effects of a bad economy.

“Bridge crossing and traffic counts have been falling for some time,” said Sarah Nicholls, assistant professor in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the College of Social Science. “We have been on a bit of a downward trend for eight or nine years now.”

Southeast Michigan will be the area of the state most affected by the decline, Holecek said.

He said the collapse of the auto industry and other businesses in Detroit have led to less travel to the area, especially for business trips. As a result, hotel occupancy rates in Detroit are down 17 percent, according to Tracy Padot, vice president of marketing for the Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Padot said the Lansing area is experiencing less of a decline, with a decrease in hotel occupancy of about 1.6 percent this year.

Some students looking for summer jobs in the tourism industry might have difficulty finding work, Holecek said. But most still will find jobs.

“The industry is always looking for good talent,” he said.

Despite findings, Michigan might have something to be optimistic about as the government works to entice travelers.

A Pure Michigan advertising campaign will launch nationally on Monday and will feature television, radio and print advertisements for Michigan tourism.

“This will introduce our tremendous tourism product to many for the first time,” said Steve Yencich, president and CEO of the Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association.

Holecek said the campaign will generate national exposure.

“Seventy percent of our tourists are Michigan residents,” Holecek said. “We have to reach out further.”
Study finds negative trend in tourism stats