Michigan Tourism Outcomes Soar
Post Labor Day Schools Law Takes Effect
LANSING, MI, September 13, 2006. Michigan's new law requiring all state schools to open after Labor Day is providing everything its supporters said it would, in spite of a weak state economy. The Michigan Hotel, Motel & Resort Association (MHMRA) asked members to participate in a statewide survey comparing occupancy levels in the last two weeks of August this year to that same time last year.
According to survey respondents, 53% of hotels had higher or much higher occupancy levels in the last two weeks of August. Twenty nine percent of properties reported that occupancy levels remained the same. Sixty two percent of property managers reported that the new Post Labor Day School law had a beneficial impact on their property's occupancy in late August.
"Approximately 70% of state tourism comes from in-state residents," said MHMRA's CEO, Steve Yencich. "That makes these results especially impressive because summer travel by Michigan residents was likely suppressed by a weakened state economy and high gas prices.
"Hotel occupancy is a good barometer of overall tourism outcomes. These results are good news for golf courses, restaurants and all segments of a diverse tourism industry."
Of the survey respondents, 48% managed resort properties, 27% were rural and 25% were urban property managers. Twenty seven percent of responding properties were full service, 33% were limited service and 40% were independently owned and operated.
The survey presented one surprising result. The new law also led to marked increases in hotel occupancy over Labor Day weekend. Forty three percent of properties had higher or much higher occupancy levels over the holiday weekend.
"Apparently increased availability of family vacation time leading up to the holiday prompted more people to extend their stay on into Labor Day weekend," said Yencich. "Michigan's post-Labor Day school law was a real boost for families, tourism and our state's economy."
Tourism is Michigan's 2nd largest industry and contributes over $2.4 billion annually in federal, state and local tax receipts.
The 100 year old Michigan Hotel, Motel & Resort Association is a trade association based in Lansing. The association advocates, educates, and markets on behalf of lodging properties throughout the state. For more information, please visit http://www.michiganhotels.org/ .
A summary and detail of the MHMRA Post Labor Day Schools survey is available by going to: http://www.surveymonkey.com/Report.asp?U=254941789721
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
