The Silver Lake Sand Dunes – Hart Visitors Bureau announced Thursday, Oct. 10, that 2023 visitor spending was up. According to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Tourism Economic Impact Report, $160.8 million dollars were spent in the county during 2023, up 5.9 percent over 2022.
Visitor spending accounted for $19 million in state and local tax revenue during 2023. Additionally, the tourism industry is responsible for providing 1,547 direct and 2,242 indirectly related industry jobs in the county, generating $49.6 million in tourism supported labor income.
The annual MEDC Tourism Impact Report tracks spending over several categories, all of which serve sectors of visitor services:
• Lodging: $45.4 million
• Food & Beverage: $34.5 million
• Retail: $19.9 million
• Recreation: $24.4 million
• Transportation: $36.5 million
Statewide, visitor spending topped $29 billion in 2023, due in part to a $16.9 million media investment made by the Pure Michigan campaign welcoming visitors to experience this state’s unique destinations, like Silver Lake Sand Dunes.
“Tourism continues to be a top contributor to the economic wellbeing of Oceana County. We are encouraged to be in our fourth consecutive year of positive growth in the tourism economy,” Executive Director of the Silver Lake Sand Dunes-Hart Visitor Bureau Scott Beal said. “This continued growth is testament to the value of our tourism industry in supporting local businesses, households, and the future of Oceana County.”
