Oceana tourism generated record-high $145.85 million in 2019.

– OCP file photo of Silver Lake.

Oceana tourism generated record-high $145.85 million in 2019.

OCEANA COUNTY — Tourism in Oceana County generated $145.85 million in 2019, a record high over a five-year span tracked by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). 

2019 Tourism Economic Impact

According to the MEDC’s 2019 Economic Impact of Tourism in Michigan County Analysis report,  visitors spent $145.85 million in Oceana County in 2019, an increase of 2.7 percent from 2018  ($141.99 million).

This generated $16.79 million in state and local tax revenue. 

The tourism industry also is responsible for 1,741 direct jobs and 2,438 indirect jobs in Oceana County, generating $43.28 million in direct labor income and $68.13 million in total labor  income.  

The MEDC report also tracks visitor spending in five categories, listed below in order by visitor  spending in 2019: 

1. Lodging at $39.83 million
2. Food and beverage at $34.78 million
3. Retail at $18.88 million
4. Recreation at $20.75 million
5. Transportation at $31.62 million

“With tourism as the second largest industry in Oceana County, it directly impacts our economy  at every level,” said Scott Beal, executive director of the Silver Lake Sand Dunes-Hart Visitor  Bureau. “It is important to understand the impact tourism has on our economy so that we can  continue to retain current visitors and attract future visitors to Ocean County.”

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