Mountain City Tourism Expects ‘Better Summer’ As Pandemic Eases Travel Fears – 9&10 News

With many tourists planning a trip to northern Michigan this summer, experts are expecting a big summer for business.

As we move away from the pandemic, Traverse City Tourism says people are growing more comfortable with travel and are expecting more tourists to the Cherry Capital.

Trevor Tkach, president and CEO of Trevor City Tourism, said despite some economic concerns, they are still expecting a big winter for tourism.

“People are less concerned about their income and inflation. However, they continue to prioritize travel in their budgets,” Tkach says.

Although tourism is still strong and inconsistent throughout the pandemic, they say, now that more people are comfortable traveling, it could lead to a historic summer.

We’ll see more consistency throughout the week because I think we’re going to have the best summer ever. A lot of times, especially during outbreaks, we see peaks on weekends,” Tkach explained.

Meghan Conrad, store manager for the new Lululemon, said more people have stopped and noticed and expects more to come as we head deeper into winter.

“We’re really looking forward to meeting a lot of new faces who are unfamiliar with the brand and we want to welcome them with open arms,” said Konrad.

Tkach said it’s not just the fear of the epidemic slowing down that makes them expect a big winter, but the growth and improvements the city has seen since then.

“Now there is more chance than before the outbreak. New hotel properties are opening, we’re seeing a changing of the guard in restaurants and attractions,” says Tkach. “New and exciting ideas are coming forward and visitors want to see something unique and different.”