Data from a recent Tourism Economics and Michigan Economic Development Corporation/Travel Michigan report shows Muskegon County tourism generated $419 million in visitor spending in 2025.
“In Muskegon County, we did have about a 2.3% increase year over year compared to 2024.”
Bob Lukens is Community Development Director for Muskegon County.
“So, that translates to about $9.6 million increase in tourism and visitor spending.”
The analysis shows annual visitor spending increasing by nearly $142 million since the pandemic in 2020.
“It’s seemed to slow a bit here in 2025, but I think our 2026 numbers should be in the 2%-3% range.”
Lukens attributes the slowdown to higher fuel costs and overall higher cost of living but says Muskegon County’s growth over the past decade is bringing in more tourists every year.
“We’ve developed the convention center here, our arts and cultural institutions, our restaurants, specialty retailers have really developed over the past 10 years, and I think we’re seeing that consistent growth in visitation and visitor spending due to that growth in Muskegon and Muskegon County.”
The county contributed an 8% share of West Michigan’s visitor spending total in 2025.
For a weekly dose of news right to your inbox, sign up for the WGVU newsletter.
