Ludington mayor says business has high hopes after pandemic – 9&10 News

Memorial Day weekend and the start of summer are almost here and Ludington is already buzzing with tourists.

Experts say Northern Michigan is in for a big year for tourism, and for some businesses in Ludington, they’re hoping for a big year starting in 2020.

“We’re really looking forward to this weekend,” said Doug Holmes, owner of Stellar Fish Shack. “We’re seeing some tourists coming into town so we’re excited about this weekend.”

Tourists are expected to return to northern Michigan after the epidemic kept many people home for the past three years. Ludington Mayor Mark Barnett said he is excited and optimistic about this summer.

“I think people are ready to leave. We are certainly looking forward to an extraordinary summer this year,” predicts Barnett

Northern Michigan businesses are also looking forward to an unusual year, especially ones like Keeper’s Fish Shack in Ludington, which opened three years ago during the pandemic. The Keeper’s Fish Shack is run by Doug and his son, Carson Holmes. Carson said they hope the outbreak will pay off for all their hard work.

“Hopefully, with everything and how it slows down during the pandemic, we’ll see more tourists come out and go to Ludington,” Carson hopes.

Mayor Barnett said businesses are excited to finally experience the potential of tourism in Northern Michigan.

“Certainly those who opened post-pandemic or mid-pandemic have an opportunity to see what it’s like to do business in Ludington,” Barnett said.

Mayor Barnett said he’s excited for another summer season and to see all the tourists coming back to Northern Michigan.

“[We’re] I’m just excited about enthusiasm. People are ready to go and ready to keep their vacation plans,” says Barnett.