Gas prices, inflation slow summer tourism in West Michigan
SOUTH HAVEN, Mich. — Summer tourism towns like South Haven are hoping for an economic boom over Fourth of July weekend.
Day trips and weekend getaways drive tourism in the beach community and money to local businesses. With the average gallon of gas topping $5.00 in Michigan, some area business owners said tourism is down.
"People are not taking those smaller vacations, road trips, because maybe it costs them $40 a year ago to fill up their tank, maybe it’s now $120 to fill up their tank," said Andrew Wick, co-owner of Adventure Watersports in South Haven.
The prices at the pump have also hampered boat rentals at his business.
"We're certainly hopeful that things will pick up as the season progresses," Wick said.
Swick said he's had to increase his prices to offset the higher prices he's paying due to inflation.
Still rebounding from the pandemic, South Haven Visitor's Bureau said the city's revenue is down 3% this year.
"I think we all went through a lot in 2020 with the pandemic. I think that was probably the worse case scenario. Gas prices are just another small hurdle that we have," said Jen Sistrunk, executive director of South Haven Visitor's Bureau.
Chris Campbell, owner of Soha Surf Shop, said a colder start to summer also led to a slow down in shoppers.
Now that it's heating up, and people are showing up, Campbell said his store is looking at a 15% increase from last year.
"I think the other thing too is that yes gas has increased but you're seeing a lot of people realizing this is a short destination away," Campbell said.
Tourism is something the city of South Haven thrives on. This Fourth of July weekend, and it's festivities like Sunday night's fireworks show, could bring the biggest crowd, and biggest sales business owners have seen all year.