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Tourists who visit Baraga County generally enjoy their time there, and are likely to return. That’s the gist of a survey compiled by the Baraga County Chamber of Commerce and the Baraga County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The results were presented at a community meeting last night, and were based on 244 questionnaires filled out by people who don’t live in Baraga County, who visited in the past 16 months.
The average visitor spends around 600-dollars during their stay. Winter tourists spend more than summer tourists. Most of that money is spent on lodging… with casino gambling claiming the second-largest share. More than 20 percent of those surveyed visited the county five or more times during the 16 months. Most tourists stop in Baraga County as part of an extended trip through the Upper Peninsula. Many are drawn in by a family or emotional attachment, and a significant number cited the county’s trails and outdoor recreational opportunities as an attraction.
The study did find some areas that need work. Many visitors said they were unaware of attractions or events in Baraga County… and the “friendliness” factor ranked only a little bit above average. Baraga Chamber President Mark Massicotte says it’s up to the people of the county to take the next step… Massicotte. The study was coordinated by Dr. Jun Min of Michigan Tech, and Dr. Grant Fenner.
