As the pandemic wanes, will tourists return to Michigan roads?

On this week’s Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, Dave Lorenz, vice president of Travel Michigan, talks about what tourism industry officials expect as pandemic restrictions are relaxed and Memorial Day weekend kicks off the summer vacation season. 

While travel is not expected to reach pre-pandemic levels, AAA forecasts 1.1 million Memorial Day weekend travelers in Michigan this year, a 57 percent increase from 2020. AAA says most Michigan travel from May 27 to 31 will be by car, leading to busy roads.   

To aid safe travel, the Michigan Department of Transportation will once again suspend work and lift lane closures where possible on road and bridge projects across the state. A list of active projects is available on the Mi Drive website.  

Lorenz is enthusiastic about the travel forecast and what it will mean to tourist sites across the state. But he also talks about the challenges coming out of the pandemic, especially hiring enough workers to meet the demands of restaurants, hotels and resorts. Lorenz emphasizes the need for patience as people train and learn new jobs.  

Nikki Devitt, president of the Petoskey Chamber of Commerce, underscored that in an interview with the Detroit Free Press.  

“It’s still going to be the same beautiful place you love,” Devitt said. "But we ask that you bring with you a little patience and grace. And understand that you may have to wait a little bit longer, that some hours may be different. But that small business needs you so that they can continue to be here for years to come."  

Lorenz also discusses the toll the closing of the border with Canada, now at 14 months, has taken on Michigan’s tourism industry.   

Other references:  

https://www.tourism-review.com/post-pandemic-tourism-will-set-off-new-trends-news12009 

https://theconversation.com/post-pandemic-travel-the-trends-well-see-when-the-world-opens-up-again-153401