Understanding Tourism Impacts in the Western U.P.

Abstract

This report provides a detailed overview of trends in the Western U.P. tourism sector and an analysis of the economic impacts of tourism on the region. The Western U.P. stretches across 6,028.8 square miles of land and contains a rich wealth of natural and cultural heritage assets. The region is comprised of six counties–Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon–and forms part of the broader Upper Peninsula Prosperity Region. The goal of this report is provide regionally-specific and timely data on visitation, visitor patterns, spending figures, and economic impacts to aid local leaders and policymakers in decision making and resource allocation.