MUSKEGON, Mich. — The cruise industry in Muskegon is generating big bucks for the local economy.
Thursday, the Visit Muskegon and the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce announced that cruise passenger spending generated nearly $700,000 in economic impact for West Michigan in 2023.
They say the spending supported small businesses, museums and other area attractions around Muskegon.
“Muskegon is proud to be part of the growing success of Great Lakes cruising,” said Bob Lukens, Community Development Director at Visit Muskegon. “The positive impact of cruise passenger spending on our local businesses underscores that our region is a prime destination for national and international visitors.”
Approximately 2,500 passengers visited Muskegon in 2023 on three cruise ships: The Pearl Mist, Ocean Navigator and Pontant's Le Dumon D'Urville.
“Collaborating with Visit Muskegon to promote our area as a cruise destination has delivered increased tourism to our city,” said Cindy Larsen, President of Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce. “The growing economic impact of cruise passengers in Muskegon demonstrates the value of our vibrant community and the opportunities it offers visitors.”
Larsen said that some of the passengers on the cruise ships even show signs of interest in moving to the lakeshore.
"What's really interesting is that these people come here on vacation. But once they get here, they see that this is a great community they live in. And so they often ask questions about the real estate and the neighborhoods and all the things that they're already do year round. So we've definitely found that it's not just about vacations. It's also about inviting people to move to Michigan, and specifically, the West Michigan coast," Larsen added.
The Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce says it is already getting reservations for 2024 and expects ships to stop by from May throughout September.
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