Straits Tourism Sites: Early Numbers Look Good
MSHP Reports Travelers to Area Peaked in 1998
By Sean Ely

Tourism at the Straits of Mackinac peaked in 1998, reports Mackinac State Historic Parks, and dropped from about 950,000 visitors then to about 695,000 in 2006, and with a bad state economy, high gasoline prices, and thousands of travelers from southeast Michigan laid off, business managers here are looking for signs of what will happen this summer. A surprising number believe the numbers may rise this year.

"I am very pleased with how everything is going so far this summer," said Bob Brown, Arnold Transit Company general manager. "May shook out well, and now June is doing very well, too. Looking at my initial numbers, things might be up a little from last year at this time. Obviously, everybody is going to be down since six or seven years ago, since September 11th, but I really think we're turning the corner now. I was very happy with the Lilac Festival and Memorial Day weekend."

Mackinac Island is steeped in history, but visitors say they would like some new experiences on their return, so businesses continue to seek new programs and enticements.

One such program that Arnold Transit is involved with is called the Mackinac Island Experience, a package that includes ferry tickets, a carriage tour, and admission to Fort Mackinac, the Butterfly Conservatory, and Grand Hotel for $59 for adults and $28 for children.

Mackinac State Historic Parks is also promoting the Mackinaw Infinity Package, which provides unlimited admission for three days to Thunderfalls Family Waterpark, Colonial Michilimackinac, Historic Mill Creek, and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse in Mackinaw City, and Fort Mackinac on the Island, plus ferry service. Tickets are $79.95 for adults, less for children.

"Everything is going to change from year to year, with the economy and gas prices, but we will continue to keep our heads above water and try and get more people to come to the Straits area," Mr. Brown said.

Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry Vice President Chris Shepler said ticket sales were very impressive in May, compared to last year at the same time.

"It's the first time things have been that rosy in quite some time," he said. "The jury is still out for June and the Lilac Festival, but things are definitely looking OK. The thing is, four good days could boost it, while four bad days could throw it in the dumpster. We'll have to wait and see, but for now, I'm not worried."

Shepler's also listens to its customers. The company surveyed 3,000 visitors last year, asking such questions as, How many days do you travel? Do you travel with family? Did you drive to get here? How many days are you in the Mackinac area in one year?

"We digested all of this information and already put together things that guests wanted," Mr. Shepler said.

This season, every morning at 10 a.m., after June 20, boats departing the mainland will swing over to the Mackinac Bridge for an eight to nine minute narration of the bridge, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this summer. Macand Back passes were also developed, providing unlimited ferry service for either one, two, or three days, depending on what fits one's schedule best. Special cruises have also been added every Wednesday, which take visitors on an hour-long narrated tour of the Straits, including the Mackinac Bridge, Mission Point Resort, the lighthouses, and the cottages along the West Bluff. Boats leave at 3 p.m. from Mackinaw City and 4:30 p.m. from St. Ignace, $15 for adults and $7.50 for children.

Mr. Shepler said it's important to change it up and keep things new.

Star Line ferry General Manager Tom Pfeiffelmann said traffic is looking similar to last year and that there isn't a magic answer to automatically make people start coming to Mackinac. He believes that the economy, gas prices, and new state-of-the-art attractions are drawing people away from Mackinac.

The ferry service has developed packages for families as well, with an all-in-one package deal. With their package, a family can pick and choose they activities they want, and it will be priced accordingly. If they want to rent bicycles and see the fort, but don't want to visit the Butterfly House, then they can do just that, without being charged for it. Every Monday for $15 for adults and $10 for children are sunset cruises, which have been added recently. Soft drinks and other refreshments are available on board.

"We're really trying to get people on the Island and to stay another night than they originally planned," Mr. Pfeiffelmann said. "We're just trying to develop ways to keep people here longer. The packaging deal is one answer to keep them busy over there on the Island. They, hopefully, won't be in a big hurry to stay here for a couple hours and leave. We want to get them to get a hotel room and stay and have fun."

Brad Chambers, the treasurer of Mackinac Island Carriage Tours, said his business is a little bit better than a year ago, nothing spectacular, but holding, despite the economy. In addition to package deals with the boat companies and other businesses, Carriage Tours is distributing discount coupons to hotels, restaurants, and ferry docks.

"We want people to make up their minds before they even come to the Island," he said of the package promotions. "They can purchase these packages online and realize that they can afford to come to Mackinac Island."

Arrowhead Carriages, which provides customized tours of Mackinac Island, is finding conditions similar to last year. This isn't a bad thing, however, because last year was a good year, said owner Joe Plaza.

"It's just about the same, give or take a percentage or two," he said. "We can't do much, because people come to us and ask about the tour. We will have larger tour groups and weddings, but other than that, we're here for the public. I haven't raised the price in four years. I anticipated it being slower, so there was no use scaring anyone away with higher prices. We're doing just fine."

Bicycle rentals are another popular business on Mackinac Island, and Jim Fisher, owner of Mackinac Wheels, says that rentals have been solid in the morning hours, but the afternoons and evenings seem to slow down quite a bit. He believes that not as many people are staying overnight.

It is hard to predict a summer from early season business, however, since steady, heavy traffic doesn't appear on the Island until the Fourth of July weekend.

One of the prime indicators that business will be good is hotel bookings. Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau President Bob Benser says that advance bookings for hotels are up, compared to last year.

"The Tourism Bureau and the business owners on Mackinac Island are doing what they can to feature the Island on a more regional and national level, as Michigan's economy continues to shrink," he said. "The state of Michigan needs to invest more money into its number-one industry, travel and tourism. Studies have actually shown that for every dollar invested into tourism, three dollars is returned in taxes and state revenues."

Mackinac Island was also voted one of the top 10 islands in the world by Condé Nast Traveler, one of the most wellknown magazines to travelers. Increased exposure like that, and the recent Discovery Channel "Dirty Jobs" visit and this week's and visit by the CBS program, "The Early Show," help draw attention, and visits, on a national scale. And the price is right.

"We are really just hoping that the things that we cannot control, like the gas prices and the weather, are on our side this summer," Mr. Benser said. "Our budget is limited, so the things that don't cost money but improve tourism are what we're really looking for."

Todd Callewaert, president of The Island House and vice president of Ryba's Fudge Shops, says that hotel bookings were up in May, with June the same as 2006. Advance deposits are ahead 8% this year.

Like Mr. Plaza at Arrowhead Carriages, Mr. Callewaert isn't complaining that business is the same as last year, because he had a good year last year.

He noted, "2003 and 2004 were the worst years for the Island, but it certainly has picked up since then. I really can't complain at the current situation. It's good to keep things new on the Island, such his family's Starbucks coffee house. People might say, 'Oh my gosh, it's ruining the Island.' But, you have to give people a reason to visit. People like that home-comfort feeling. We have been thinking of different specials to keep things new at the fudge shops, and set up promotion packages for the Island House with Carriage Tours, Fort Mackinac, boat lines, and butterfly exhibits."

Mackinac Island businesses refuse to sit still while the state's economy falls.

"We're working hard to give them a better product, and we just hope they come here to check it out," Mr. Callewaert said.