April 12, 2026, 11:08 p.m. ET
The U.S. war with Iran, higher travel costs and a sharp drop in Canadian visitors all present tough headwinds for Michigan’s tourism industry, but as operators look ahead to the peak summer season, they’re cautiously optimistic. The reason? The “slow travel” trend.
Places, such as Petoskey, Traverse City and Grand Rapids, are banking on travelers looking for closer, more affordable getaways — a traditional response to uncertainty and financial pressures, said Patrick Brys, a member of the Michigan Travel Commission and CEO of Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery on Old Mission Peninsula north of Traverse City.
