Sunday was the first official day of summer and for Michiganders that marks an end to nine-months of cold and darkness, and the start of the shortest three months of beautiful, warm summer weather. With the COVID-19 outbreak impacting our state, the start of Michigan’s “summer recess” has a disappointed feeling to it, especially for the tourism industry in Michigan. The Holland Tulip Festival was set to celebrate the 91^st Tulip Time in May only to have it cancelled. Bay City hosts a massive July 4^th fireworks festival which was also cancelled, along with the National Traverse City Cherry Festival held every July. These cancellations are unfortunately not unique, and across Michigan communities have felt the impact of COVID-19 by cancelling community events and festivals in an effort to help keep families safe and healthy.

With these types of event cancelations, the negative ramifications for seasonal and primarily tourism-based businesses will be significant. With a limited summer travel season, there are many businesses that are likely to shut their doors for good or make the decision not to open this season at all. Access to seasonal or temporary workers has also been a major problem for businesses in the tourism industry.

While we all play a part in keeping our communities and state healthy by following the guidelines and practices outlined by health professionals, we also play a role in helping the state’s tourism economy get through this unprecedented health pandemic. Last year, nearly $25 billion was spent on tourism in Michigan, which generated $2.7 billion in state and local tax revenues. So, this summer, remember your favorite small Michigan store and make an effort to support them so that when we get through this pandemic together, we can once again fully enjoy a #PureMichigan summer.

Michigan Legislative Consultants is a bipartisan lobbying firm based in Lansing, Michigan. Our team of lobbyists and procurement specialists provide a wide range of services for some of the most respected companies in America. For more on MLC, visit www.mlcmi.com or connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.