Michigan Ranks in the Top 20 Most Fun States in America – WalletHub Study

Are state-sponsored campaigns to promote tourism successful in attracting new visitors?

“State-sponsored tourism campaigns are most likely to succeed when they increase awareness of destinations that potential visitors may not otherwise consider. Well-known tourist destinations such as Hawaii, Florida, and Alaska already enjoy high visibility, so additional advertising may have limited impact. Lesser-known destinations may benefit more because advertising can introduce travelers to attractions they were previously unaware of.”
Chris Douglas – Professor, The University of Michigan-Flint

“They can be, especially when they highlight what makes a state truly distinctive. The best campaigns go beyond a catchy phrase and instead feature local food, art, culture, history, events, and outdoor spaces. It is also important to know your audience so you can reach the people most likely to visit and stress affordability and ease of travel. I live in Pennsylvania, and the state has been emphasizing the historic sights and historic culture a lot more lately, linking it to the America 250 celebration. They have also been capitalizing on the state’s athletic teams and the diversity of art (murals, galleries, museums, woodworking, and hands-on art activities).”
Marybeth Gasman – Distinguished Professor, Rutgers University – New Brunswick

To what degree will tourism be affected by inflation this year?

“Less than you might expect on the headline number, more than you’d expect on trip length. According to the U.S. Travel Association’s spring 2026 forecast, travel spending is expected to grow 1 percent on an inflation-adjusted basis in 2026, accelerating to 3 percent growth in 2027 and 2028, as resilient domestic demand partially offsets ongoing economic pressures, including inflation. Total spending is still on track to hit a record: U.S. travel spending will reach 1.37 trillion dollars in 2026 and 1.42 trillion dollars in 2027. What’s changing underneath those numbers is trip behavior. The Association’s own research anticipates travelers shifting toward shorter and cheaper trips this year as inflation works through household budgets, which tracks with what most industry analysts expect, with markets and value destinations gaining share while premium urban getaways feel more pressure on discretionary extras like dining and shows. The trip survives. The upgrades don’t.”
Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D. – Associate Professor, Lynn University

“I believe people will still travel, as many individuals and families are experiencing significant stress and want to get away from their everyday lives. That said, I think they will travel differently – maybe shorter trips, driving instead of flying, doing ‘staycations’ closer to home, and finding ways to cut down on hotels and food. Just the other day, I saw families ’tailgating’ in Philadelphia during their visit for July 4th. They decided to forgo the expensive restaurants in the tourist areas. I think cities and states that offer the most options will attract more visitors.”
Marybeth Gasman – Distinguished Professor, Rutgers University – New Brunswick

What are some tips for people looking to have fun without breaking a bank? 

“Every community or region has plenty of activities people can participate at little to no cost. Most communities sponsor free concerts during the warmer months and offer other short getaways such as swimming pools, walking and hiking trails and public libraries. Granted these are not as potentially exciting as a trip to Disneyland but they are far less costly.”
Scott Thorne, Ph.D. – Instructor, Southeast Missouri State University

“Nearly every state park system and most major museums publish an annual calendar of free admission days, often tied to holidays or founding anniversaries. A five-minute search before a trip can turn a $50 outing into a walk-through-the-door at no cost. Travel midweek instead of on the weekend. Hotel rates and flights in leisure destinations often run twenty to thirty percent cheaper from Tuesday through Thursday. Shifting a trip by even two days can free up enough money for a nice dinner out. Skip the tourist strip and find the neighborhood spot instead. A farmer’s market lunch or a local dive bar with live music typically costs a third as much as the boardwalk version and usually leaves a stronger memory… Buy an annual park pass if outdoor recreation is a regular habit. It often pays for itself after two or three visits and removes the temptation to skip a nearby park because the daily entry fee feels like friction. Travel shoulder season. The few weeks just before or after peak season at beach towns, ski resorts, or national parks usually offer the same scenery and activities at a fraction of the price, with smaller crowds as a bonus.”
Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D. – Associate Professor, Lynn University

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