MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI – Last year, tourism and hospitality generated $409.4 million in economic impact for 2024 in Muskegon County.
The annual study by Travel Michigan, a division of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and Tourism Economics, an international tourism research firm, showed a 5.4% increase in visitor spending compared to 2023, when tourism accounted for $388.3 million in spending across the county.
These dollars flowed through Muskegon’s economy in lodging, restaurants, retail, attractions, transportation, and related sectors, according to a press release from Visit Muskegon, the county’s destination marketing organization.
Specifically, the $409.4 million was spent across the following areas:
Transportation: $174.6 million
Food & Beverage: $108.3 million
Recreation: $49.7 million
Lodging: $31.5 million
Retail: $45.3 million
The county saw approximately $400,000 in local economic impact from cruise ships docking in Muskegon, Lukens said.
“This report confirms what we see every day: tourism is a powerful economic driver for Muskegon County,” said Bob Lukens, Director of Visit Muskegon. “Visitors are not only enjoying our incredible beaches, cultural attractions and events, but they are also supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and generating tax revenue that benefits every resident.”
There were approximately 2.3 million visitors from outside the county in 2024, with approximately 632,800 of those coming from 100 miles or more away.
“These visitors are most likely to result in overnight stays,” Lukens said.
Approximately 549,800 “out-of-market visitors,” or people that both live and work outside of the county, visited the Downtown Muskegon Social District in 2024.
The district encompasses Western Avenue from Pine Street to Eighth Street, but excludes Hackley Park, The Corner and Third Street.
The county generated $49.2 million in state and local tax revenue.
The study found that 6% of all local jobs in 2024 connected to tourism. Lukens said it’s the fourth largest industry in the county behind high-tech manufacturing, healthcare and agriculture.
“Tourism and hospitality provide jobs across the economic spectrum, from entry-level restaurant and hotel jobs to management and entrepreneurial ownership of hospitality-related businesses like restaurants, breweries, retail shops, outdoor recreational equipment sales and rentals, and even short-term rentals,” Lukens said.
Across Michigan, tourism contributed $54.8 billion in total economic impact in 2024, driven by 131.2 million visitors and $30.7 billion in direct visitor spending.
The statewide tourism industry supported more than 350,000 jobs, accounting for one in every 17 jobs in Michigan.
“The continued growth of tourism spending in Muskegon County demonstrates that our community is becoming a premier Lake Michigan shoreline destination,” Lukens said. “From our vibrant downtown and thriving arts scene to our unmatched access to the water, we have so much to offer both visitors and residents.”
Lukens said it’s “too early to tell” but he predicts the economic impact will increase by 2 to 3% in 2025.