Progress 04/01/03 to 03/31/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The broad goal of this project was to enhance access to objective information by public and private sector stakeholders in Michigan's tourism industry to support more informed investment decisions and thereby the sustainable economic development of the industry. When the project began in 1985, limited sound information existed and access to what existed was difficult. The clear tasks were to: 1. conduct research to fill critical information voids and 2. to improve access to existing data sources as well as new research outputs. Activities focused on filling information voids involved: 1. assembling and analyzing available secondary data, 2. collecting and analyzing primary data and 3. exercising the combined data to conduct policy analyses and to assess specific investment options. Major outputs from task 1 were a system for tracking and forecasting statewide travel activity and publications that provided ready access to useful information synthesized from the data sets. The most significant output from task 2 was indepth information about Michigan's primary travel market derived from over 30,000 telephone interviews completed between 1996 and 2003. In addition to providing longitudinal data to conduct a wide range of analyses, the ongoing survey platform was used to explore specific research questions that surfaced such as the impact of gasoline prices on travel demand. The large data base was exercised extensively for information about selected market segments such as fall season travelers, casino visitors, campers, and winery visitors as well as to profile visitors to selected regions. A second noteworthy task 2 focus was on the question of how climate change and weather variability impact overall travel activity and the golf and downhill ski sectors of the tourism industry. Published results are among the first on this topic and are noteworthy for relying on daily weather data in contrast to a published literature based on weekly, seasonal, and annual average data inputs. While the data generated were drawn upon for policy and investment analyses throughout, task 3 activity peaked later in the project with increased quantity and quality of information to draw upon. Noteworthy examples of such analyses include an assessment of the economic impact of proposed past Labor Day School opening legislation, which was widely considered instrumental in its passage, and projections of rate of return on the state's investment in travel advertising. Possibly the most significant long lasting output from this project is the industry's first comprehensive strategic development plan, facilitated by project staff and built upon the foundation laid by project outputs. Information dissemination and generation were equally weighted during this project. A wide array of dissemination strategies were employed. Printed materials were dominant early in the project but were largely replaced as web technology became widely available. An annual tourism outlook and review conference was offered from the beginning to the end of this project. Regional and topical conferences were also employed. PARTICIPANTS: Participants: All faculty and research/extension specialists listed in the project outline and updates participated in aspects of this project over its existence. The one constant over time was the P.I., D.F. Holecek, who continued in that role through the life of the project. Frequent collaborators over the years were personnel employed by Michigan State University Extension who were housed in county offices across the state. Partnerships were formed with the majority of travel, tourism and recreation agencies (public) and organizations (private) commonly associated with the industry. Frequent partnerships which included financial support were formed with the state's travel promotion office, and its department of transportation. Significant out-of-state partnerships were formed with the Student and Youth Travel Association and the World Travel and Tourism Council. Much of the work involved in the project was performed by over 20 Ph.D. level graduate assistants. Over 100 undergraduate students were employed during the life of the project, most often as members of survey research teams. Finally, project staff engaged in four long term regional assistance programs (2-4 years duration) focused on developing a marketing plan for each region, but they also served as extended mentoring programs for local tourism industry leaders. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target Audience: The primary target audience for this project was private and public sector decision makers associated with Michigan's travel, tourism and recreation industry. Listing them is impractical as illustrated by the over 3000 specific individuals that subscribed to the project email newsletter toward the end of the project and by the over 75 agencies/organizations that engaged in developing the industry's strategic plan. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Project Modifications: Over the 20 years that the project was operational, modifications in research and dissemination strategy and target audience were regularly made to maintain relevance and enhance productivity. However, the guiding overall goal remained intact that being: To enhance access to objective information by public and private sector stakeholders in Michigan's tourism industry to support informed investment decisions and thereby the sustainable economic development of the industry. Finally, fiscal reality required that external funding be pursued to extend the work possible via internal funds alone. While it was necessary to respond to funding partners' needs, these were generally closely related to the project's independent goals creating win-win outcomes for both funding partners and the broad interests of stakeholders addressed in the project.

Impacts
One way of viewing the outcomes/impacts of this project is to contrast access and stakeholder use of sound research based information in decision making in the early 1980's to the current time. In 1985, available information was scattered and difficult to access. A great deal of basic information about industry performance and markets did not exist. The industry was not organized, lacked a shared vision, or plan to achieve it, and rarely surfaced in the public policy arena nor was it successful in advancing its political agenda. By the end of this project, the majority of industry relevant data was available at the Center's website (tourismcenter.msu.edu) at any time of the day or night; the quality and quantity of information available has increased several fold. Sensitivity to the value of research and its use in decision making has increased both across the public and private sectors. The industry has become more organized and effective in the public policy arena. And, the industry has a shared vision detailed in its comprehensive strategic development plan. The full credit for the very tangible progress Michigan's tourism industry has made cannot be attributed to efforts associated with this project alone. Its role has varied from central/lead to support/catalyst, but it has been engaged and influential throughout its existence. Finally, 21 Ph.D. students were employed on this project, of which eight drew upon project data to complete their dissertations. They will ensure that the impact of this project extends well into the future.

Publications

• Holecek, D.F. and Nicholls, S. 2007. Technologys role in state strategic tourism planning: A Michigan case study. Proc. Annual Meeting of the European Chapter of the Travel and Tourism Research Assoc. Nice, France.
• Spencer, Daniel M. and Holecek, Donald F. 2007. A profile of the fall foliage tourism market. Journal of Vacation Marketing. Vol. 13 No. 2, 2007. 339-358.
• Tasci, Asli D. A. and Holecek, Donald F. 2007. Assessment of image change over time: The case of Michigan. Journal of Vacation Marketing. Vol. 13 No. 4. 359-369.
• Kim, Seung Hyun. 2007. The college student group vacation market: A social psychological approach. Ph.D. Dissertation. Dept. of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Resources. Michigan State University. East Lansing, Michigan.

Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06

Outputs
The focus of this project in 2006 was primarily on preparing manuscripts for publication review and dissertations based upon research conducted in prior years. These included golf, downhill skiing and highway traffic manuscripts developed from the climate change/weather variability research thrust; and a series of reports for the central west Michigan Tourism Assistance Program (TAP) to support the region's efforts to develop a five-county tourism marketing plan. An innovative application of cohort analysis was conducted on data from the longitudinal regional Michigan Tourism Market Survey to study changes in travel behavior over time across different cohort groupings. And, data generated in the destination marketing impact study were used to assess rate of return on Michigan travel advertising by employing alternative advertising theories and analysis procedures. A major thrust underway throughout 2006 has been to support the Michigan tourism industry's effort to develop the first statewide, comprehensive, strategic tourism plan. Results from the new student and youth travel research program were also produced. Response rate to the Internet survey designed to track trends in this market segment proved to be a low 5%, but a subsequent survey employing traditional mail survey methods produced a far more respectable 16% rate of response. Analyses of the data obtained provide the first objective insight into the economic scale and characteristics of this segment of the U.S. travel market.

Impacts
In the absence of the extensive knowledge developed through over a decade of research focused on Michigan's tourism industry and the relationships built with industry leaders over that period of time, the statewide industry plan to be released in March, 2007 could not have been developed. This plan is especially timely in light of Michigan's difficult economic circumstance. It will provide a foundation for the industry to mitigate its challenges and exploit its opportunities through collective actions.

Publications

• Maumbe, K.C. 2006 Application of the Conversion and Tracking Models in Measuring the Effectiveness of Travel Michigan's 2003 Travel Advertising Campaign. Ph.D. Dissertation. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Resources. Michigan State University. East Lansing, Michigan.
• Huh, C. 2006. A Study of Changes in Patterns of Travel Behavior Over Time: A Cohort Analysis Approach. Ph.D. Dissertation. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Resources. Michigan State University. East Lansing, Michigan.
• Spencer, D.M. and Holecek, D.F. 2006. Basic Characteristics of the Fall Tourism Market. Journal of Tourism Management. Vol. 28, No 2: 491-504.
• Noh, J. 2006. Americans' Intentions to Vacation in East Asia: An Empirical Investigation of the Relationships among Information Source Usage, Destination Image, Perceived Risks, and Intention to Visit. Ph.D. Dissertation. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Resources. Michigan State University. East Lansing, Michigan.
• Bristor, T.F., Herbowicz, T. and Holecek, D.F. 2006. West-Central Michigan Tourism Assistance Program - Survey of Tourism-Related Businesses - Final report. Tourism Resource Center. Dept. of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies. Michigan State University. East Lansing, Michigan.
• Bristor, T.F., Herbowicz, T. and Holecek, D.F. 2006. West-Central Michigan Tourism Assistance Program - Survey of Transient Visitors to the Region - Final report. Tourism Resource Center. Dept. of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies. Michigan State University. East Lansing, Michigan.
• Herbowicz, T., Bristor, T.F., Holecek, D.F. and Yang, N.K.. 2006. West-Central Michigan Tourism Assistance Program - Survey of Potential Visitors to West-Central Michigan - Final report. Tourism Resource Center. Dept. of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies. Michigan State University. East Lansing, Michigan.
• Herbowicz, T. and Holecek, D.F. 2006. Ingredients for Success in a Multi- County Tourism Partnership. CARRS Tourism Resource Center. Michigan State University. East Lansing. A presentation at the 2006 National Extension Tourism Conference - NETworking in Tourism: People, Places, & Partnerships on September 11, 2006 in Burlington, Vermont. www.esf.edu/NET2006/agenda.doc. p14
• Herbowicz, T., Bristor, T.F. and Holecek, D.F. 2006. West-Central Michigan Tourism Assistance Program - Survey of Overnight Visitors to the Region - Final report. Tourism Resource Center. Dept. of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies. Michigan State University. East Lansing, Michigan.
• Herbowicz, T., Bristor, T.F. and Holecek, D.F. 2006. West-Central Michigan Tourism Assistance Program - Survey of Resident Attitudes toward Tourism in Lake, Manistee, Mason, Newaygo and Oceana Counties - Final report. Tourism Resource Center. Dept. of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies. Michigan State University. East Lansing, Michigan.
• Holecek, D.F., Warnell, G.R., Langone, .A., Bristor, T.F., Latkova, P. and Nicholls, S. 2006. Characteristics, Scale, and Economic Importance of Independent, Overnight Group Travel by 12-18 Year Olds in the United States - Survey Results for 2005. Student and Youth Travel Research Institute. Dept. of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies. Michigan State University. East Lansing, Michigan.
• Park, S.H., Latkova, P. and Nicholls, S. (2006). Image of the United States as a Travel Destination: A Case Study of United Kingdom College Students. Proceedings of the Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium, Bolton Landing, New York, April 9-11.

Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05

Outputs
Three primary program thrusts were pursued in 2005, each at a different stage of its life cycle. Budget cutbacks have necessitated sharp reductions in our traditional longitudinal travel and tourism industry tracking and forecasting programs. Some data related to the latter are being collected, but their use is largely limited to outreach / technical assistance programs and not in-depth research analyses. The largest running of the three primary projects addressed in 2005 was the climate change / weather variability project initiated in 2003. In 2005, we extended the highway traffic and downhill ski models developed previously. A new model was developed for golf. The latter appears to be the first attempt to link daily golf play to weather conditions. With the research goals accomplished, in the coming year, the research team will focus on preparing research reports and developing tools to provide stakeholders with ready access to our research findings. The student and youth travel research program initiated at the end of 2004 made considerable progress over the last 12 months. A pilot study was conducted in the United Kingdom focused on assessing how youth there perceive the U.S. as a travel destination. The major thrust, however, was on developing and distributing a nation-wide survey to households with children in the 12 - 18-year-old age range. The goal was to use the survey as a benchmark for similar surveys to be conducted every year (or every other year). A random sample of 10,000 households was invited by mail to participate in the on-line survey. The most significant result at this early stage of analysis is that the response rate to the request was exceptionally low, suggesting an alternative data collection strategy will be necessary to achieve satisfactory long-run results. Finally, we are beginning an effort to coordinate preparations of a statewide development plan for Michigan tourism industry. This will be a research-driven planning process. It will draw heavily on two decades of related research conducted by Tourism Resource Center researchers and on new research to update key tracking statistics. Data will be collected from across the Michigan's tourism industry to assess industry performance, needs and expectations. Once issues have been identified and prioritized, benchmarking and qualitative research will be initiated to assess options that may offer cost-effective strategies for addressing opportunities and / or challenges imbedded in these issues.

Impacts
The Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center program is the primary provider of research and technical information to Michigan's travel and tourism industry, which registered over $12 billion in sales in 2002 and employed over 160,000 people. This year, for the first time, the industry will have ready access to historical weather data and tools to incorporate weather in short- and long-run planning processes. Importantly, the accumulated research from this project will provide a fact / science foundation upon which to develop the industry's first comprehensive statewide economic development plan over the next 12-18 months.

Publications

• Shih C, Nicholls S. 2005. How Does the Weather Influence Travel Activity? Evidence from Michigan. Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Travel and Tourism Research Association, New Orleans, Louisiana, June 12-15, 2005.
• Bristor, T-F.Y. 2005. Guest Comment Card Survey. Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center. Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies. Michigan State University.
• Bristor, T-F.Y. 2005. Internal Customer Survey. Frankenmuth Zehnder's Restaurant. Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center. Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies. Michigan State University.
• Nicholls, S., Latkova, P. 2005. The United States as a Travel Destination: Perceptions and Behaviors of United Kingdom College Students. Report prepared for the Student and Youth Travel Association. East Lansing, MI: Student and Youth Travel Research Institute, Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies, Michigan State University.

Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04

Outputs
After several years of substantive budget reductions, the Michigan Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center program is primarily dependent upon external funds, thus its project portfolio largely reflects the research interests of funding partners. In 2004, major funding partners included the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Kellogg Foundation People and Land (PAL) program, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Travel Michigan in the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The focus of the EPA project is on the impact of climate change and variability on the economic performance of the recreation and tourism industry. Time series econometric models were developed that included weather and selected other variables known to influence recreation activity and sales. Useful models were fit to highway traffic volume and downhill ski lift ticket sales. Adequate time series data for modeling campground sales have proven to unavailable. Results are being linked to historical weather data and projected climate change simulations to build stakeholder decision-making tools to support short-range operation plans and long-term investment strategies. The focus of the PAL project was on identifying impediments to implementing smart growth principles. Focus groups of land use professionals were conducted to develop a questionnaire that was distributed to over 2,200 professionals: surveyors, civic engineers, architects, lawyers, and landscape architects. While the vast majority of respondents supported smart growth principles, most of them indicated that they are less than effective advocates for implementing them in their professional roles. Impediments were identified and strategies for mitigating them were purposed including more research to demonstrate the advantages of smart growth land use developments. The focus of the USDA-funded project was on evaluating the impact of a social marketing campaign designed to promote the use of food thermometers when preparing meat at home. The campaign and the evaluation focused on families with young children in the households known as Boomburbs. Results from pre- and post-campaign surveys of the targeted population suggest that the short-term, modest campaign was modestly successful in boosting awareness and actual use of food thermometers when preparing meat dishes for children. The focus of the Travel Michigan project was on assessing the impact of advertising campaigns in three selected DMAs: Chicago, Cleveland, and Indianapolis. Results indicate the campaign was successful in building awareness of Michigan as a pleasure travel destination in each of the three DMAs. Finally, a new long-term project was initiated this year, which will focus on student and youth travel. There has been very little research conducted on this significant segment of the travel and tourism market. The initial project thrusts will be in the following areas: 1) the origins and destinations of student and youth travelers, 2) the expenditure patterns and economic importance of this traveler segment, and 3) the impact of educational travel, including study abroad programs on participants.

Impacts
The Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center at Michigan State University provides research and technical assistance to tourism-related businesses throughout Michigan and serves as an industry-wide information clearinghouse.

Publications

• Moufakkir, O., Singh, A.J., Moufakkir-Vanderwoud, A. and Holecek, D.F. 2004. Impact of Light, Medium and Heavy Spenders on Casino Destinations: Segmenting Gaming Visitors based on Amount of Non-gaming Expenditures. Gaming Research & Review Journal. University of Nevada Las Vegas. Las Vegas, NV. Vol. 8, Issue 1: 59-71.
• Nicholls, S., and Shih, C. 2004. Impact of Climate Change on Recreation and Tourism in Michigan. Berichte des Meteorologischen Institutes der Universitat Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. Nr 12, 2595.
• Nicholls, S., and Shih, C. 2004. Impact of Climate Change on Recreation and Tourism in Michigan. Second International Workshop on Climate, Tourism and Recreation. Kolimbari, Crete, Greece.
• Noh, J., Huh, C., and Holecek, D.F. 2004. Overnight Casino Travel Behavior of Great Lakes Area Residents - A Market Segmentation Analysis. 35th Annual TTRA Conference June 20-23, 2004. Montreal, Quebec, Canada
• Shih, C. 2004. Regional Tourism Demand Analysis Using Highway Traffic Volume: A Regression Approach. Proceedings of the 12th Annual Graduate Student Recreation & Leisure Research Symposium. Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
• Tasci, A.D.A., Aziz, A., and Holecek, D.F. 2004. The Viability of Midwestern Package Travelers as a Profitable Target Segment. Anatolia: An International Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Research. Ankara, Turkey. Volume 15. Number 2: 164-182.
• Warbach, J.D., Nicholls, S., Bristor, T-F.Y., Holecek, D.F., Martin, L.A., and Herbowicz, T.I. 2004. Overcoming Impediments to Smart Growth: Finding Ways for Land Development Professionals to Help Achieve Sustainability. Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center. Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Reource Studies. Michigan State University.
• Ward, R.I. Jr. 2004. An Examination of Tourism Educational Publications and Tourism Businesses: Understanding the Importance of Readability. Ph.D. Dissertation. Department of Park, Recreation and Tourism Resources. Michigan State University.
• Holecek, D. F., Herbowicz, T.I., Bristor, T-F.Y., Martin, L.A. and McConaughy, P. 2004. Common Food Preparation Practices: Food Thermometer Usage. Survey Report. Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center. Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Reource Studies. Michigan State University.
• Bristor, T-F.Y. 2004. External Customer Attitude Survey Analysis. Frankenmuth Zehnders Restaurant. Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center. Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Reource Studies. Michigan State University.
• Carr, J.A., and Holecek, D.F. 2004. Travel Michigan DMA Awareness Survey 2004: Final Report. Certec, Inc. Lexington, Kentucky, USA.
• Martin, L.A., Bristor, T-F.Y., Warbach, J.D., Nicholls, S., Holecek, D.F., and Herbowicz, T.I. 2004. Overcoming Impediments to Smart Growth: Finding Ways for Land Development Professionals to Help Achieve Sustainability: Final Evaluation Report. Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center. Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Reource Studies. Michigan State University.
• Martin, L.A., Tasci, A.D.A., and Holecek, D.F. 2004 Report for the M-66 TAP Lodging Guest Survey. Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center. Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Reource Studies. Michigan State University.

Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03

Outputs
Major budget reductions forced the termination of the Michigan Travel Market Survey program in June 2003. Data generated from this survey, initiated in 1996, were the primary source of information drawn upon to prepare a comprehensive assessment of Michigan's travel, tourism, and recreation industry. The economic scale and the role of this industry was the central theme in this report. Data from this survey were also used in an investigation of Michigan's changing image as a travel destination and the factors that underlie its image. The most striking differences in image were found between respondents who have visited Michigan and those who haven't. A study assessing the economic impact of Bovine TB on the tourism industry in northeast Michigan was completed. Surveys of deer hunters, known Michigan travelers, and the general public were conducted. It was estimated that Bovine TB reduced direct travel expenditures in northeast Michigan by $25 million per year in recent years. About 80% of this loss is attributed to deer hunters. We also initiated a promotion impact study in selected designated market areas that included developing an estimate of the rate of return on investment in advertising in the study region. Finally, we initiated a comprehensive study of the relationship between climate change/variability and volumes of tourism business overall and for the downhill ski and camping subsectors.

Impacts
The Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center at Michigan State University provides research and technical assistance to tourism-related businesses throughout Michigan and serves as an industry-wide information clearinghouse.

Publications

• Tasci, A.D. 2003. An Investigation of Destination Image Antecedents. Ph.D. dissertation. Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Resources, Michigan State University. East Lansing, Michigan, USA.
• Vaugeois, N.L. 2003. Mobility into Tourism Employment in a Region Experiencing Economic Transition. Ph.D. dissertation. Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Resources, Michigan State University. East Lansing, Michigan, USA.
• Tasci, A.D., and Holecek, D.F. 2003. Measurement of Bias in Destination Image Context. Advances in Hospitality and Tourism Research: Proceedings of the Eighth Annual Graduate Education and Graduate Students Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism. Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. 645-649pp.
• Tasci, A.D., and Holecek, D.F. 2003. Measurement of the Impact of Visitation on Destination Image. Advances in Hospitality and Tourism Research: Proceedings of the Eighth Annual Graduate Education and Graduate Students Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism. Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. 650-654pp.
• Bristor, T.F., and Holecek, D.F. 2003. Zehnder's of Frankenmuth Internal Customer Survey. Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing, Michigan, USA.
• Carr, J.A., and Holecek, D.F. 2003. Travel Michigan DMA Awareness Survey 2003 Final Report. Certec, Inc. Lexington, Kentucky, USA.
• Carr, J.A., and Holecek, D.F. 2003. Toward Deriving an Objective Estimate of Return on Investment (ROI) in Travel Michigan's Marketing Program. Certec, Inc. Lexington, Kentucky, USA.
• Herbowicz, T.I., and Holecek, D.F. 2003. Final Report: Image of the Detroit Metro Area by Residents of the Great Lakes Region. Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing, Michigan, USA.
• Holecek, D.F., and Bristor, T.F. 2003. The Economic Impact of Bovine TB on the Tourism Industry in Northeast Michigan. Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing, Michigan, USA.
• Holecek, D.F. 2003. Travel, Tourism and Recreation in Michigan. Michigan at the Millennium. Ballard, C.L., editor. Michigan State University Press. East Lansing, Michigan, USA. 455-475pp.
• Huh, C., Li, H., Kim, S., and Holecek, D.F. 2003. What Affects Travelers Seeking and Buying Behavior Differently on the Internet. Advances in Hospitality and Tourism Research: Proceedings of the Eighth Annual Graduate Education and Graduate Students Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism. Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. 219-223pp

Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02

Outputs
Since 1996, a substantial proportion of our research output has been tied to our Michigan Travel Market Survey (MTMS), which we were able to sustain for another year and thereby expand the accessible database by about 5000 more completed surveys. Developing a comprehensive profile of the role tourism plays in Michigan's economy was a primary thrust of our research this year. A key finding is that Michigan holds a multi-billion dollar travel trade deficit that appears to have grown in recent years. The MTMS data proved critical to accomplishing this task. During the year, a comprehensive market research project was initiated and largely completed for a northern Michigan Indian casino. Finally, drawing upon our own data and data from secondary sources, impacts on the city of Detroit from the recent development of its casinos were assessed. For most of the variables examined, casino development was found to be associated with positive impacts (increased tourist expenditures, declining crime rate, and reduced gaming dollar leakage from the Detroit economy); however, the number of bankruptcies increased slightly in the second year after the first casino opened, possibly due to a sagging economy rather than casino development.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

• Andereck, K., and Vogt, C. 2002. In-situ Travel Experiences of Automobile Vacationers. Proceedings of the Thirty-Third Annual Conference of the Travel and Tourism Research Association. Arlington, Virginia, USA.
• Andereck, K., Knopf, R., Virden, R., Machnik, L., White, D., and Vogt, C. 2002. Agua Fria National Monument/Phoenix North Public Lands Visitor Study. Arizona State University-West. Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
• Bristor, T.F., and Holecek, D.F. 2002. Associated Food Dealers of Michigan Former Members Survey Report. Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing, Michigan, USA.
• Herbowicz, T.I., and Holecek, D.F. 2002. Woodward Avenue Dream Cruise 2002 Visitor Survey. Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing, Michigan, USA.
• Holecek, D.F., Martin, L.A., Huh, C., and Kim, S. 2002. Public Opinions About Transportation Issues and Options in Michigan: September 11-December 31, 2001. Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center. Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA.
• Holecek, D.F., Martin, L.A., Huh, C., Kim, S., and Tasci, A.D.A. 2002. Public Opinions About Transportation Issues and Options in Michigan: Annual Summary Report 2001. Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing, Michigan, USA.
• Holecek, D.F., Faverman, D., Herbowicz, T.I., Huh, C., Moufakkir, O., Nikoloff, A.S., van der Woud, A., and Yang, N.K. 2002. Final Report on Survey of Visitors to Traverse Bay Entertainment Casinos. Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing, Michigan, USA.
• Huh, C., Lee, B., Kim, S., and Holecek, D.F. 2002. The Influence of Gasoline Prices and Mass Media on Travel Intentions: An Agenda-Setting Approach. Proceedings of the Eighth Annual Conference of the Asia Pacific Tourism Association. Dalian, China.
• Lynch, J., Cindrity, S., Vogt, C., and Nelson, C. 2002. Measuring and Monitoring Trail Use: A Nationwide Survey of State and Federal Trail Managers. Michigan Department of Transportation. Lansing, Michigan, USA.
• Kah, A., and Vogt, C. 2002. An Examination of the Role of Tourism Dependence in Residents' Perceptions and Attitudes Toward Tourism Development. Proceedings of the Tenth Annual Graduate Leisure Research Symposium. University of Waterloo. Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
• Kim, S., Huh, C., and Holecek, D.F. 2002. Developing a Profile of Pleasure Trip Visitors to Wineries. Proceedings of the Eighth Annual Conference of the Asia Pacific Tourism Association. Dalian, China.
• MacKay, K., Andereck, K., and Vogt. C. 2002. Understanding Vacationing Motorist Niche Markets. Journal of Travel Research 40:356-363. Martin, L.A., Tasci, A.D.A., and Holecek, D.F. 2002. Report for the M-66 TAP General Market Survey. Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing, Michigan, USA.
• Nelson, C., Lynch, J., Vogt, C., and van der Woud, A. 2002. Use Estimates for the Pere Marquette Rail-Trail. Michigan Department of Transportation. Lansing, Michigan, USA.
• Nikoloff, A.S., and Holecek, D.F. 2002. World Travel & Tourism Tax Barometer No. 10. World Travel & Tourism Council. London, United Kingdom.
• Nikoloff, A.S., and Holecek, D.F. 2002. World Travel & Tourism Tax Barometer No. 11. World Travel & Tourism Council. London, United Kingdom.
• Nikoloff, A.S. and Holecek, D.F. 2002. WTTC Tax Policy Task Force Case No. 3: Value Added Taxes on Accommodations in the European Union. World Travel & Tourism Council. London, United Kingdom.
• Shih, C., Martin, L.A., and Holecek, D.F. 2002. Michigan Travel Indicators. Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing, Michigan, USA. Monthly Issues: October-December (2001), January-August (2002); Seasonal Issues: Winter 2002, Spring 2002; Annual Report: 2001.
• Tasci, A.D.A., and Meghani, Z. 2002. Turning the World Upside Down. Michigan Academician Papers of the Michigan Academy of Science, Arts and Letters Annual Conference, 34(1):96. Tasci, A.D.A., and Aziz, A. 2002. Profiling Midwestern Package Travelers. Proceedings of the Twenty-Third Annual CenStates Travel and Tourism Research Association Conference.
• Tasci, A.D.A. 2002. An Investigation of Destination Image Determinates: Sociodemographics and Visitation. Proceedings of the First Midwest Recreation Graduate Student Symposium.
• Van der Woud, A., Vogt, C., Nelson, C., and Lynch, J. 2002. Midland County Travel Information Inquirers and Tourists: A Focus on the Pere Marquette Rail-Trail. Michigan Department of Transportation. Lansing, Michigan, USA.
• Vogt, C., and Andereck, K. 2002. Introduction to Special Issue on Park Marketing. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration 20(2):1-10.
• Vogt, C., and Pennington-Gray, L. 2002. Using Behavioral Segmentation to Understand the Influence of Information on Welcome Center Stoppers. Proceedings of the Thirty-Third Annual Conference of the Travel and Tourism Research Association. Arlington, Virginia, USA.
• Mahoney, E., Holecek, D., Stynes, D., Rummel, T., Kim, M.K., Kim, S., and Chang, T.C. 2002. A Marketing and Economic Analysis of Michigan's Wine Industry and Winery Tourism. Department of Park, Recreation and Tourism Resources and the Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing, Michigan, USA.
• McGehee, N., Andereck, K., and Vogt, C. 2002. An Examination of Factors Influencing Resident Attitudes Toward Tourism in Twelve Arizona Communities. Proceedings of the Thirty-Third Annual Conference of the Travel and Tourism Research Association. Arlington, Virginia, USA.
• Nelson, C., Vogt, C., and Stynes, D. 2002. Rail-Trails and Special Events: Community and Economic Benefits. Proceedings of the 2001 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium. USDA Forest Service General Technical Report NE- 289.
• Vogt, C., and Marans, R. 2002. The Role, Use and Benefits of Natural Recreation Areas Within and Near Residential Subdivisions. Proceedings of the 2001 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium. USDA Forest Service General Technical Report NE- 289.
• Vogt, C., Kah, A., and Huh, C. 2002. Tourism on Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska: Studies in Borough Business and Residents. Alaska Wilderness Recreation and Tourism Association. Anchorage, Alaska, USA.
• Vogt, C., van der Woud, A., Lynch, J., and Nelson, C. 2002. Midland County Nearby Businesses and Adjacent Residential Landowners' Attitudes Towards and Use of the Pere Marquette Rail-Trail. Michigan Department of Transportation. Lansing, Michigan, USA.
• Vogt, C., Andereck, K., and Klenosky, D. 2002. Market Analysis of the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Michigan State University. East Lansing, Michigan, USA.
• Vogt, C., Winter, G., and Fried, J. 2002. Demographic and Geographic Approaches to Predicting Public Acceptance of Fuel Management at the Wildlife-Urban Interface, Phase II Project Report, Final Survey Data Report. University of California-Berkeley. Berkeley, California, USA.
• Winter G., Vogt, C., and Fried, J. 2002. Fuel Treatments at the Wildland-Urban Interface: Common Concerns in Diverse Regions. Journal of Forestry 100(1):15-21.

Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01

Outputs
The central thrust of this project continues to be the Michigan Regional Travel Marketing Survey (MRTMS) program. Approximately 5000 more surveys were completed in 2001, bringing the total number of surveys completed to date to over 35,000. The MRTMS has been especially useful in tracking Michigan travel this year as the economy entered recession, gasoline prices spiked, and a war on terrorism shocked the U.S. and especially the travel industry. The MRTMS-based Michigan travel barometer began to fall in March, which marked the beginning of the economic recession. Results also suggest that Michigan travel demand is relatively inelastic within the price range experienced over the last 24 months, and that the events of 9-11 had limited impacts on the pleasure travel market in Michigan. Results of another survey conducted of non-resident patrons of two casinos in Detroit indicate that their direct spending in the Detroit area totals almost $200 million annually and nearly $70 million accrues to local non-casino businesses. The mixed-mode survey methodology used in the Detroit survey (on-site intercept with telephone follow-up) proved to be very effective in obtaining high quality visitor related information in an unobtrusive manner. It was successfully used in another survey of visitors to Mackinac State Historic Parks and is being used for a survey of visitors to Traverse Bay Casino Resorts. Progress was also made toward improving the utility of secondary high traffic data in tracking pleasure activity. A statistical model was developed to remove routine (i.e., commercial truck and commuter) traffic from traffic counter data and resulted in substantially improved estimates of tourism traffic volumes.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

• Herbowicz, T.I., Martin, L.A., and Holecek, D.F. 2001. Mackinac State Historic Parks Visitor and Non-Visitor Study. Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing, Michigan, USA.
• Holecek, D.F., Herbowicz, T.I., Nikoloff, A.S., and Alexander, P.J. 2001. Tourism Profiles of Each County in Michigan. Michigan State University Extension/Michigan State University Tourism Area of Expertise Team. East Lansing, Michigan, USA.
• Holecek, D.F., Martin, L.A., Huh, C., and Kim, S.H. 2001. Public Opinions About Transportation Issues and Options in Michigan: September-December 2000. Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing, Michigan, USA.
• Holecek, D.F., Martin, L.A., Huh, C., and Kim, S.H. 2001. Public Opinions About Transportation Issues and Options in Michigan: A Summary of the Year 2000 Data. Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing, Michigan, USA.
• Holecek, D.F., Martin, L.A., Huh, C., and Kim, S.H. 2001. Public Opinions About Transportation Issues and Options in Michigan: January-April 2001. Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing, Michigan, USA.
• Holecek, D.F., Martin, L.A., Huh, C., and Kim, S.H. 2001. Public Opinions About Transportation Issues and Options in Michigan: May-September 2001. Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing, Michigan, USA.
• Martin, L.A., Tasci, A.D.A., and Holecek, D.F. 2001. Report for the M-66 TAP Resident Attitude Survey. Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing, Michigan, USA.
• Moufakkir, O., Holecek, D.F., van der Woud, A., and Nikoloff, A.S. 2001. Detroit Metro Area Casino Visitor Study. Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing, Michigan, USA.
• Nikoloff, A.S., and Holecek, D.F. 2001. World Travel & Tourism Tax Barometer No. 9. World Travel & Tourism Council. London, England, United Kingdom.
• Nikoloff, A.S., and Holecek, D.F. 2001. WTTC Taxation Policy Taskforce Case No. 1: A New Michigan County Level Accommodations Tax. World Travel & Tourism Council. London, England, United Kingdom.
• Nikoloff, A.S., and Holecek, D.F. 2001. WTTC Taxation Policy Taskforce Case No. 2: Tax Credits as a Tourism Industry Stimulus. World Travel & Tourism Council. London, England, United Kingdom.
• Yang, S. 2001. A Method for Improving the Usefulness of Highway Traffic Data in Tourism Studies: A Michigan Case Study. Ph.D. Dissertation. Department of Park, Recreation and Tourism Resources, Michigan State University. East Lansing, Michigan, USA.

Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00

Outputs
The central thrust of this project continues to be the Michigan Regional Travel Marketing Survey (MRTMS) program. Approximately 5000 more interviews were completed in 2000, bringing the total surveys completed to date to over 30,000. An in-depth analysis of the data collected for the years 1996-98 was a primary focus of the program this year. Another focus was an analysis of Michigan trip planning time horizons which revealed that planning for the majority of Michigan pleasure trips is shorter than 30 days. Thus, seasonal travel promotion campaigns should extend well into the targeted season, much later than is common practice among many destination-marketing organizations. New components of this year's survey were a series of questions focused on perceptions of Michigan highways and highway management practices and another series that explored the interrelationships between travel and Michigan wineries. About 8% of Michigan pleasure trips include a visit to a Michigan winery, ranking wineries only slightly behind casinos (10-11%) as significant Michigan tourism attractions. A new study was undertaken this year with the dual objectives of profiling non-local visitors to the City of Detroit's recently opened casinos and estimating the impact their expenditures have on the Detroit Metro economy. Over 8000 visitors were intercepted at the two casinos open during the June-September 2000 study period. Of these, about 900 non-local residents were later interviewed by telephone to obtain detailed demographic, trip and gaming behaviors, and expenditures on their trip to Detroit. Analyses of the data collected will continue into the coming year. Major analyses of the large MRTMS data set are planned for the year 2001 to include longitudinal studies of major market segments and multi-county regional market profiles both of which are now feasible with the large five-year data set which has been accumulated.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

• Holecek, D.F., Spencer, D.M., Williams, J.E., and Herbowicz, T.I. 2000. Michigan Travel Market Survey: Final Report. Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station Special Report 108. Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Holecek, D.F., Haas, H., and Kakela, P. 2000. Michigan's Tourist Industry: Final Report. Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station Special Report 116. Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Holecek, D.F., Martin, L.A., Huh, C., and Kim, S.H. 2000. Public Opinions About Transportation Issues and Options in Michigan. Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Holecek, D.F., Herbowicz, T.L., and Martin, L.A. 2000. Market Research for Mackinac State Historic Parks: Suggestions for Improving Visitation. Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Nelson, K.A., and Holecek, D.F. 2000. Profile of Frankenmuth's Visitor Market and Projection of Total Annual Visitors (1998-1999). Michigan Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Nikoloff, A.S., and Holecek, D.F. 2000. World Travel and Tourism Tax Barometer 8. World Travel and Tourism Council. London.
• Williams, J.E., Fozzi, S., Holecek, D.F., and Herbowicz, T.I. 2000. Straits of Mackinac Guest Survey Final Report. Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Williams, J.E., Fozzi, S., and Holecek, D.F. 2000. Straits of Mackinac Fall Guest Survey Final Report. Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Yoon, S., and Holecek, D.F. 2000. Pleasure Trip Planning Behavior- Implications for Timing Tourism Promotional Messages. Proceedings of the 31st Annual Conference of the Travel and Tourism Research Association, Burbank, California, June 2000.

Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99

Outputs
The central thrust of this project continues to be the Michigan Regional Travel Marketing Survey (MRTMS) program. Approximately 8000 more interviews were completed in 1999, bringing the total surveys completed since the MRTMS began in late 1995 to over 25,000. The database was used to profile the following seven segments of Michigan's overall travel market: campers, casino gamers, festival/events tourists, general touring tourists, shoppers, visit friends/relatives tourists, and holiday tourists. Significant differences were found across the segments in media use, trip and trip planning behavior, and sociodemographic characteristics of travel parties. The database was also analyzed to both profile the travel market characteristics and identify changes in the travel market for several regions within the state including the Upper Peninsula, Southwest Michigan, and Northern Lower Michigan. The data set was also evaluated for its relative accuracy in estimating total annual person trips to Michigan from the six states that constitute Michigan's primary domestic travel market. With calibrations to account for several methodological variances, estimates from the MRTMS and the most recent national travel census were found to compare favorably. The core survey instrument was modified to evaluate whether or not respondents tended to report information for longer trips rather than the most recent trips as requested. Findings suggest that this tendency does in fact exist and this knowledge will facilitate interpretation of the results from future analyses. Several reports were completed on research not directly related to the MRTMS program as indicated under the Publications section of this report.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

• Williams, J.E., Holecek, D.F., and Herbowicz, T.I. 1999. West Michigan Tourist Association Member Needs' Assessment Survey. Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Williams, J.E., Holecek, and D.F., Herbowicz, T.I. 1999. Straits of Mackinac Summer Guest Survey Final Report. Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Williams, J.E., Holecek, D.F., and Herbowicz, T.I. 1999. Straits of Mackinac Winter Guest Survey Final Report. Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Williams, J.E., Holecek, D.F., and Herbowicz, T.I. 1999. Mackinac State Historic Parks Guest and Non-Guest Survey Final Report. Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Williams, J.E., and Holecek, D.F. 1999. Household Survey Report: Spring 1999. Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Brezina, S.L. 1999. The Results of Convention Center Development in Second-Tier Cities: Three Case Study Investigations. Ph.D. Dissertation, Dept. of Park, Recreation, and Tourism Resources, Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Herbowicz, T. 1999. Proceedings: 1999 Michigan Tourism Outlook Conference. Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Holecek, D.F., and Yoon S. 1999. Michigan Camper Profile. Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Kim, D.K. 1999. A Model for Deriving Timely and Accurate Estimates of Statewide Pleasure Trip Volume. Ph.D. Dissertation, Dept. of Park, Recreation, and Tourism Resources, Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Moufakkir, O., and Holecek, D.F. 1999. Saginaw County Convention and Visitors Bureau Survey. Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Nikoloff, A., Herbowicz, T., and Holecek, D.F. Michigan Travel Activity Forecast for 1999. Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Singh, A. 1999. A Twentieth Century History and Delphi Study to Predict Changes in the Lodging Industry Structure, Performance, and Capital Sources. Ph.D. Dissertation, Dept. of Park, Recreation, and Tourism Resources, Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Spencer, D.M., Kim, D.K., and Holecek, D.F. 1999. An Investigation of Tourists' Shopping Behavior. Proceedings of the 30th Annual Conference of the Travel and Tourism Research Association, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, June 1999.
• Williams, J.E., Marajh, O., Spencer, D.M., and Yoon, S. 1999. Dealing With Non-response Issues in Telephone Surveys. Proceedings of the 30th Annual Conference of the Travel and Tourism Research Association, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, June 1999.
• Williams, J.E., and Holecek, D.F. 1999. Straits Area Partnership Business Survey: Priorities and Implications for the Future. Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Williams, J.E., and Holecek, D.F. 1999. Household Survey Report: Summer 1999. Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing
• Williams, J.E. 1999. Selected Michigan Tourist Market Segments. Proceedings of the 1999 Michigan Tourism Outlook Conference. Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• World Travel & Tourism Tax Policy Center. 1999. WTTC's Travel & Tourism Tax Barometer, No. 7. World Travel & Tourism Council. London, United Kingdom.
• Yang S., and Holecek, D.F. 1999. Michigan Travel Indicators. Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing. Monthly Issues: October-December (1998), August (1999); Seasonal Issues: Fall 1998, Winter 1999; Annual Report: 1998.
• Yang, S., and Spencer, D.M. 1999. An Overview of Michigan Travel Activity in 1998. Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Yoon, S., Holecek, D.F., and Williams, J.E. 1999. Characteristics and Travel Behavior of Upper Great Lakes Casino Tourists. Proceedings of the 30th Annual Conference of the Travel and Tourism Research Association, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, June 1999.

Progress 01/01/98 to 12/31/98

Outputs
Previous investments in developing and perfecting the Michigan travel activity tracking research program yielded many and wide-ranging dividends over the past year as indicated by the expansive listing of publications produced in 1998. Data now available from over 16,000 completed interviews were analyzed to: 1) enhance understanding of the nature and market potential of numerous travel market segments, 2) profile travel activity in all of Michigan's 83 counties and selected groupings of counties to include each's share of the state's overall pleasure travel market, and 3) enrich our overall travel activity tracking and forecasting programs. Work was initiated to compare the performance of our survey with the recently released American Travel Survey (U.S. Census) and TravelScope(R) (U.S. Travel Data Center). Considerable variation across selected variables was revealed, due in part to differing designs across these surveys. Adjustments to account for design differences are being assessed and are expected to reduce but not totally eliminate observed variances in results. Results from a comprehensive examination of the history and functions of destination marketing organizations (DMOs) in Michigan were reported. This study employed institutional economics theory as a primary research paradigm, and it proved to be a strong predictor of observed behavior of DMOs over their long history in this state. The understanding gained from this research can be applied to mitigate conflicts commonly associated with these organizations. In 1999, the travel activity tracking survey will be modified with the objectives of reducing overall program costs and increasing the amount of most relevant data being collected. In addition, the travel tax barometer will be reindexed to reflect inflation in costs in many of the travel sectors included in the barometer.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

• Herbowicz, T., 1998. Michigan's Gaming Market: Findings From the MSU Tourism Center's Regional Travel Market Survey. Proceedings of the 1998 Michigan Tourism Outlook Conference. Travel Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Herbowicz, T., 1998. Proceedings: 1998 Michigan Tourism Outlook Conference. Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Holecek, D.F., Mahoney, E. 1998. Muskegon County Accommodation Tax Study. Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Holecek, D.F., Kim, D.K. 1998. An Analysis of Upper Michigan's Pleasure Travel Market. Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Holecek, D.F., Yoon, S., Spotts, D.M. 1998. Holiday Travelers: An Unexplored Travel Market Segment. Proceedings of the 29th Annual Conference of the Travel and Tourism Research Association, Fort Worth, Texas, June 1998.
• Kim, D.K., Spotts, D.M., Holecek, D.F., Yoon, S. 1998. Segmenting the Visiting Friends and Relatives Travel Market Based on Participation in Tourist Activities. In The Role of Tourism: National and Regional Perspectives. Proceedings of the Fourth Asia Pacific Tourism Association Conference, August 18-21, 1998, Tanyang, Chung-Bulk, Korea, Series A.
• Kim, D.K., Spotts, D.M., Holecek, D.F. 1998. A Comparison of Estimates of Statewide Pleasure Trip Volume and Expenditures Derived From Telephone Versus Mail Surveys. In: Vogelsong, Hans G. (ed.). Proceedings of the 1997 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium. U.S.D.A. Forest Service General Technical Report NE-241. Radnor, PA: Northeastern Forest Experimentation Station.
• Kim, D.K., Spotts, D.M., Holecek, D.F. 1998. A Comparison of Estimates of Statewide Pleasure Trip Volume and Expenditures Derived From Three Household Surveys. Proceedings of the 29th Annual Conference of the Travel and Tourism Research Association, Fort Worth, Texas, June 1998.
• Kim, D.K., Spotts, D.M., Herbowicz T., Yoon, S., Holecek, D.F. 1998. Characteristics of the Michigan I-94 Association's Tourism Market. Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Kim, D-K., Holecek, D.F., Spencer, D.M. 1998. An Analysis of the Pleasure Travel Market for Benzie, Grand Traverse, and Leelanau Counties. Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Kim, D-K., Holecek, D.F., Spotts, D.M. 1998. An Analysis of Grand Traverse County's Pleasure Travel Market. Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Kim, D-K., Holecek, D.F., Spotts, D.M. 1998. An Analysis of Southwest Michigan's Pleasure Travel Market. Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Kim, D-K., Holecek, D.F., Spotts, D.M. 1998. An Analysis of the Detroit Area's Pleasure Travel Market. Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Kim, D-K., Holecek, D.F., Spotts, D.M. 1998. An Analysis of Washtenaw County's Pleasure Travel Market. Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Kim, D-K., Holecek, D.F. 1998. An Analysis of Chippewa County's Pleasure Travel Market. Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Marajh, O. 1998. Applications of Regional Survey Results to Marketing Tourism Center's Regional Travel Market Survey. Proceedings of the 1998 Michigan Tourism Outlook Conference. Travel Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Myers, J.A. 1998. Interests, Institutions, and Organizations: the case of Tourism Promotion Financing and Destination Marketing Organizations in Michigan, 1896-1996. Ph.D. Dissertation, Dept. of Park, Recreation and Tourism Resources, Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Spencer, D.M., Kim, D.K., Alexander, P. 1998. Tourism Profiles of Each County in Michigan. Tourism Area of Expertise Team, Michigan State University Extension.
• Spotts, D.M., Kim, D.K., Holecek, D.F. 1998. Understanding the Coastal Tourist: A Michigan Case Study. Proceedings of the 29th Annual Conference of the Travel and Tourism Research Association, Fort Worth, Texas, June 1998.
• Spotts, D.M., Kim, D.K., Carr, J.A. , Holecek, D.F. 1998. An Analysis of Michigan's Image As a Tourist Destination. Proceedings of the 29th Annual Conference of the Travel and Tourism Research Association, Fort Worth, Texas, June 1998.
• Spotts, D.M., Holecek, D.F., Kim, D.K., Yoon, S., Herbowicz, T., Williams J., Marajh O. 1998. Prime Market Area Advertising Program Impact Survey: Fall Season 1997 Report. Submitted to Travel Michigan under Contract No. 071B5000800. Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Spotts, D.M., Holecek, D.F., Kim, D.K., Yoon, S., Herbowicz, T., Williams, J., Marajh, O. 1998. Prime Market Area Advertising Program Impact Survey: Winter Season 1997-98 Report. Submitted to Travel Michigan under Contract No. 071B5000800. Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Vander Stoep, G. 1998. Perceptions and Status of Michigan As a Heritage Tourism State: Results of an Eleven-Month Telephone Survey. In: Vogelsong, Hans G. (ed.). Proceedings of the 1997 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium. U.S.D.A. Forest Service General Technical Report NE-241. Radnor, PA: Northeastern Forest Experimentation Station.
• World Travel and Tourism Tax Policy Center. 1998. WTTC's Travel and Tourism Tax Barometer, No.5. World Travel and Tourism Council. London, United Kingdom.
• World Travel and Tourism Tax Policy Center. 1998. WTTC's Travel and Tourism Tax Barometer, No.6. World Travel and Tourism Council. London, United Kingdom.
• Yang, S., Holecek, D.F. 1998. Michigan Travel Indicators. Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing. Monthly issues: January - September, seasonal issues: Winter, Spring and Summer, and annual report for 1997.
• Yoon, S., Kim, D.K., Spotts, D.M., Holecek, D.F. 1998. Regional Market Share and Designated Market Areas Generating Pleasure Trips to Michigan. Proceedings of the 1998 Michigan Tourism Outlook Conference. Travel Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Herbowicz, T., Nikoloff, A.S., Spotts, D.M. 1998. An Inventory of Tourism Resources in St. Clair County, Michigan. Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Yoon, S., Spotts, D.M., Kim, D.K., Holecek, D.F. 1998. A Study of the Festival and Special Events Tourism Market. In: The Role of Tourism: National and Regional Perspectives. Proceedings of the Fourth Asia Pacific Tourism Association Conference, August 18-21, 1998, Tanyang, Chung-Bulk, Korea, Series A.
• Herbowicz, T., Holecek, D.F. 1998. Circle Michigan's Assessment of Tour Operators' Needs. Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing.

Progress 01/01/97 to 12/31/97

Outputs
The Michigan travel activity tracking and international tourism tax barometer programs continue to be a central focus. Over 5,000 telephone interviews were completed with households in Michigan's primary regional travel markets. The resulting data base is rich in potential research applications and will expand as data continue to be added monthly. Data have been analyzed to produce numerous insights into the nature of Michigan's tourism market and how it can be more effectively reached and served. For example, we have documented the characteristics of visitors who traveled in Michigan during different seasons of the years, visitors who participated in automobile touring, visitors who chose coastal versus inland destinations in Michigan, visitors who used trails, and visitors who participated in agricultural tourism activities. We have also continued to use data from this survey to create a Michigan Travel Intentions Index to help members of the tourism industry anticipate changes in travel demand in our state.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

• Holecek, Donald F., David M. Pearlman, and A.J. Singh. 1997. Trends in the CenStates (USA) Gaming Market. In the Evolution of Tourism: Adapting to Change. 28th Annual Conference Proceedings. Travel and Tourism Research Association, Norfolk, Virginia.
• Kim, Dae-Kwan, Daniel M. Spotts, and Donald F. Holecek. 1997. Understanding the Coastal Tourist: A Michigan, USA Case Study. In International Conference on Coastal Tourism Development for Korea: Method and Practice. Taegu University, South Korea.
• Myers, James, Peter Forsberg, and Donald Holecek. 1997. A Framework for Monitoring Global Travel and Tourism Taxes: the WTTC Tax Barometer. Tourism Economics.3(1):5-20
• Nelson, Kevin A. and Peter K. Forsberg. 1997. The Economic Impacts of Special Events and Festivals. In The Evolution of Tourism: Adapting to Change. 28th Annual Conference Proceedings. Travel and Tourism Research Association, Norfolk, Virginia.
• Pearlman, David M. 1997. Three Revenue Prediction Modes for United States Casinos Utilizing Competition and Site Attribute Variables. Ph.D. Dissertation. Department of Park, Recreation, and Tourism Resources, Michigan State University, East Lansing.
• Spotts, Daniel M. 1997. Regional Analysis of Tourism Resources for Marketing Purposes. Journal of Travel Research. 35(3):3-15.
• Spotts, Daniel M. 1997. Reducing Recreational Pressure on Wilderness Areas by Expanding Trail-Based Recreation Opportunities on Non-Wilderness Lands. In Higham, James and Geoff Kearsley (eds.) Trails in the Third Millenium: Conference Proceedings, Trails, Tourism and Regional Development. Dunedin, New Zealand: University of Otago, Centre for Tourism.
• Spotts, Daniel M., Charles M. Nelson, Dae-Kwan Kim, and Donald F. Holecek. 1997. Characteristics and Behavior of Tourists Who Use Trails. In Higham, James and Geoff Kearsley (eds.). Trails in the Third Millenium:Conference Proceedings, Trails, Tourism and Regional Development. Dunedin, New Zealand: University of Otago, Centre for Tourism.
• Spotts, Daniel M. and Edward M. Mahoney. 1997. The Growth Potential for Agriculture and Natural Resource Products Tourism. In 1997 Agriculture and Natural Resource Products Tourism Conference Handbook. East Lansing, MI: Dep. of Park, Recreation, and Tourism Resources, Michigan State University.
• Holecek, Donald F. and Jacqueline D. Holecek. 1997. Perspectives on Gaming Policy. FG Report. Faverman Consulting, Inc. 1(6):8-12
• Holecek, Donald F., Peter Forsberg, and Dan Spotts. 1997. Michigan Tourism Market Share by County. Tourism Matters. Michigan State University Extension newsletter. Spring 1997, p.3.
• Spotts, Daniel M., Dae-Kwan Kim, James A. Carr, and Donald F. Holecek. 1997. Segmenting the Automobile Touring Market Based on Participation in Recreation Activities. In The Evolution of Tourism: Adapting to Change. 28th Annual Conference Proceedings. Travel and Tourism Research Association, Norfolk, Virginia.
• Spotts, Daniel M., Donald F. Holecek, Dae-Kwan Kim, Teresa Herbowicz, et.al. 1997. Prime Market Area Advertising Program Impact Survey: Warm Season 1997 Report. Submitted to Travel Michigan under Contract No. 071B5000800. Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing.
• Spotts, Daniel M., Donald F. Holecek, Dae-Kwan Kim, Oumatie Marajh, et.al. 1997. rime Market Area Advertising Program Impact Survey: Winter 1997-97 Report. Submitted to Travel Michigan under Contract No. 071B5000800. Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State Univeristy. East Lansing.
• Spotts, Daniel M., Donald F. Holecek, Dae-Kwan Kim, Teresa Herbowicz, Joan Williams, et.al.1997. Prime Market Area Advertising Program Impact Survey: Fall Season 1996 Report. Submitted to Travel Michigan under Contract No. 071B5000800. Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing.
• Spotts, Dan. 1997. An Overview of the TTRRC Regional Household Telephone Survey. Tourism Matters. Michigan State University Extension newsletter. Volume 1, Issue 3. Spring 1997,p.2.
• World Travel and Tourism Tax Policy Center. 1997. WTTC's Travel and Tourism Tax Barometer, No. 4, London, U.K.:World Travel and Tourism Council.
• Yang, Sinji and Donald F. Holecek. 1997. The Effectiveness of Using Highway Traffic Data in Monitoring Travel Activity. In The Evolution of Tourism: Adapting to Change. 28th Annual Conference Proceedings. Travel and Tourism Research Association, Norfolk, Virginia.

Progress 01/01/95 to 12/30/95

Outputs
The central on-going focus of this project remains to track trends in Michigan travel and to enhance understanding of the underlying factors shaping these trends. Substantial new funds obtained during the year have been directed at obtaining new travel market related information from a sample of households drawn from MI and nearby states. About 400 households per month are being interviewed by telephone and queried about their recent and planned travel activity, images of travel destinations, awareness of travel activities, etc. A number of specific analyses for the data generated are planned including development of a travel intentions index to enrich our existing travel monitoring and forecasting programs. Other significant research products from this year's program include two reports dealing with extensions of the traditional conversion study to evaluate effectiveness of travel advertising, a survey of MI businesses' perceptions of the role of state government in economic development, and an assessment of travel industry employee motivations. Finally, the first empirical results from our international tourism tax barometer were released late in 1995.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Progress 01/01/94 to 12/30/94

Outputs
The Michigan Travel Monitoring program was continued into its eighth year and remains the foundation for the overall research program. The data in the system were used to support a comprehensive assessment of Michigan tourism as part of the MAES's assessment of Michigan's natural resources. A future focused, household travel survey was initiated to generate crucial marketing and forecasting data. This involved establishing a small telephone survey lab in-house to minimize data collection costs. Other new initiatives this year included starting a global tourist tax tracking program in cooperation with the World Travel and Tourism Council and beginning two in-state travel promotion tracking studies. In the latter, a range of data collection and types of questionnaires are being evaluated for their relative effectiveness as conversion study research instruments. Analyses of tourism employment data continued in 1994, but major reports won't be available until 1995.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

• AUGER, D., SPOTTS, D.M. 1994. MI Travel Activity: Aug. 1993-June 1994. Monthly Rpts. #88-98. TTRRC, MI State Univ. E.Lansing, MI.
• AUGER, D., SPOTTS, D.M. 1994. "MI Travel Activity: 1993 Annual Report." Annual Rpt. #7. TTRRC, MI State Univ. East Lansing, MI.
• AUGER, D., SPOTTS, D.M. 1994. "MI Travel Activity: 1993 Spring, Summer & Fall Season Rpts." Season Rpts. #30-32. TTRRC, MI State Univ., E. Lansing, MI.
• BISHOP, G.R. 1994. The Importance of Ancillary Attributes in Destination Choice & Length of Stay:.... Ph.D. Diss. PRTR. MI State Univ. E. Lansing, MI.
• KIM, J.H. 1994. A comparison of forecasting accuracy of quantitative forecasting methods:...in MI. Ph.D. Diss. Dept. of Forestry, MI State Univ. E.Lansing, MI.
• ZHOU, Z., SPOTTS, D.M., WANG, C.C., BERRA, C., HOLECEK, D.F. 1994. "Final Rpt.: 1994 Survey of Frankenmuth Inquirers." TTRRC, MI State Univ., E. Lansing, MI.
• HOLECEK, D.F., FORSBERG P.K., MYERS, J. 1994. Travel & Tourism:Issues in Tax Policy. World Travel & Tourism Council, Brussels.
• SPOTTS, D.M. 1994. "Sales & Use Tax Collections by MI County...1993." Update of Chp. 24 of Travel & Tourism in MI: A Stat. Profile. TTRRC, MI State Univ., E. Lansing, MI.
• FORSBERG, P.K. 1994. Fiscal Policy In Pacific Travel & Tourism Futures. In L. Rhantapalla (Ed.) Proc. of the 43rd Annual Pacific Asia Travel Asso. Conf., Seoul Korea.

Progress 01/01/93 to 12/30/93

Outputs
The Michigan Travel Monitoring program continued into its seventh year, and monthly, seasonal and annual reports were produced. Drawing upon its related growing data base, sets of annual and quarterly models ranging from naive to sophisticated time series and regression models were developed to forecast hotel and motel tax collections, an indicator of overall Michigan travel activity. Evaluation indicates that none of the models tested was a consistently accurate forecasting tool across the periods examined. Some were found to be inappropriate thereby reducing the range of appropriate models from which one might want to select. A major effort this year was directed to identifying, surveying, and then coding information from seven subsectors of Michigan's travel industry: hotels, and motels, restaurants, charter boats, golf enterprises, resorts, campgrounds, and attractions. The resulting information will be used by the Michigan Travel Bureau to provide customized travel itinerary to travelers and is being used by project staff to prepare detailed profiles of each subsector. Finally, data were collected from employees and their supervisors at four large resorts and are being analyzed to assess job satisfaction, motivation, commitment, and performance.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

• FORSBERG,P.K. 1992. The potential roles of a tourism data analysis center. In K. Speelman (Ed.) Proc. of Network of Appl. Res.Centers in Higher Ed. Conf. 6/92. The Netherlands.
• BISHOP,G., FORSBERG,P.K., HOLECEK,D.F. 1992. Munising Area CC Skiing. Pictured Rocks Nat'l Lakeshore Res. Rpt. USDI Pub. PIR092-3.
• FORSBERG,P.K., CHEN,K.C. 1992. System dynamics of modeling recreation systems. In J. Vaske,Ed. Proc: Northeastern Rec Res Conf. 4/92. Saratoga Springs, NY.
• FORSBERG,P.K., BISHOP,G., LALOPA,J.M. 1992. Market charact of a develop. national rec. area near a res. dependent community. In R. Field (Ed.) Proc: 4th North Amer. Symp on Society & Res. Mgnt 5/92. Wiscon.
• WILLIAMS,J.E., AUGER,D., SPOTTS,D.M. 1993. Mich. travel activity: 10/92 - 7/93. Mon. Trvl Monitoring Rpts #78-87. TTRR Center, M.S.U. E. Lansing,MI. 2 p. each.
• WILLIAMS,J.E., SPOTTS,D.M. 1993. Mich travel activity: seasonal reports, #6. TTRR Center, M.S.U., E. Lansing, MI 18 p.
• AUGER,D., SPOTTS,D.M. 1993. Michigan travel activity: 1992 annual report. #6. TTRR Center, M.S.U. E. Lansing, MI. 18 p.
• SPOTTS,D.M., MAHONEY,E.M. 1993. "Understanding the Fall Tourism Market." J. of Travel Res. 32(2): 3-15.
• VRANA,K.J., HOLECEK,D.F. 1992. Results of the Sport Diving & Great Lakes Aquatic Parks Survey. MI DNR L&W Manage Div, Mich Sea Grant, TTRR Center, Skin Diver Ma.

Progress 01/01/92 to 12/30/92

Outputs
Other than the Michigan traveling monitoring program, which continued into its sixth year, the bulk of this year's effort was allocated to generating new data to enhance understanding of Michigan's travel and tourism industry. A survey of cross country skiers was conducted in Alger County to update understanding of Michigan's winter tourism market. A study was initiated to seek an improved model for travel activity forecasting. Such a study is made possible by data generated over six years of objectively monitoring travel activity which is the dependent variable in the models we are examining. Another study was initiated to enhance understanding of employment in the travel and tourism industry. Current estimates of the level of total employment in the industry vary widely and information concerning salaries, employee characteristics and supply and demand trends is limited or not available. Finally, we are in the process of surveying over 20,000 travel and tourism businesses that we have identified, using various sources, to enhance understanding of the characteristics of these individual businesses to include: capacity, number of employees, length of season, services offered, etc. In addition to our research activities, these data will serve as a basis for providing much improved trip planning information to Michigan travelers.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

• HOLECEK, D.F. and SUNDSTROM, T. 1992. Tourism trends in the United States of America. In Fleischer-van Rooijen, C. (ed.). Spatial Implications of Tourism. University of Groningen, Netherlands. pp. 205-224.
• BIAN, J. 1992. Trends of Tourism in China. In Fleischer-van Rooijen, C. (ed.). Spatial Implications of Tourism. University of Groningen, Netherlands. pp. 225-251.
• HOLECEK, D.F. 1992. World travel and tourism. Book Review. An. of Tour. Res. vol. 19, #4:797-799.
• HOLECEK, D.F. and FORSBERG, P.K. 1992. Grand Island: Public and private cooperation in planning a national recreation area. Proceedings of International Symposium on Issues and Management of Land Resources. Feng Chia Univ., Taiwan.
• HOLECEK, D.F., FORSBERG, P.K., BISHOP, G. and LALOPA, J. 1992. Grand Island National Recreation Area: Market analysis. Research Report, Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University. East Lansing. 92 p.

Progress 01/01/91 to 12/30/91

Outputs
The major output this year was publication of the second edition of: Travel and Tourism in Michigan: A Statistical Profile. This document contains 24 chapters which summarize research conducted for several years under the auspices of this study. Individual chapter titles are listed under the publications section of this report. The Michigan Travel Monitoring program was continued for the fifth year. Multiple-year trend data were incorporated in this year's seasonal and annual reports. No other significant changes were made in the monitoring system. Materials developed from earlier research on quality assurance were incorporated into video and workbook training programs which were field tested this year. This approach is effective in assisting businesses to effectively incorporate research results in their operations. Data accumulated during the life of this project were utilized to explore trends in international travel, factors correlated with a county's tourism potential and factors related to tourist satisfaction. Progress was also made toward enhancing the effectiveness of tourism marketing programs. PC-based software was demonstrated to be useful in allocating promotion budgets across media types. The software was used to maximize the reach of three advertising budget scenarios drawing upon 59 advertising options. New data were collected on U.S. sport divers to better assess the market potential for Michigan's Great Lakes underwater preserves.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Progress 01/01/90 to 12/30/90

Outputs
Michigan travel monitoring program was continued for the fourth year with no changes from last year. This year, however analysis was initiated to identify trends developing in data series collected over the full life of this project. Results will be published in early 1991 along with other updated data on Michigan's travel industry in the second edition of: Travel and Tourism i,n Michigan: A Statistical Profile. Center staff and cooperators drew upon our data bases to prepare a series of papers under the general theme of trends including: Tourism in the USA, boating in Michigan, and expenditures on recreation equipment. Methodologically oriented dissertations were completed dealing with the topics of market segmentation, factor analysis, and cluster analysis. For the data series tested, results strongly suggest that the common practice of employing factor analysis to prepare data for input for cluster analysis may be ill advised. Finally, considerable effort was directed at reviewing and synthesizing the literature on the general theme of quality assurance and customer relations. This topic is highly significant to all service industries including travel and tourism.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

• HOLECEK, D.F. 1990. Tourism in the United States of America. World Leisure and Recreation. Vol. 32 No. 1. World Leisure and Recreation Association. Sharbot Lake, Ontario Canada. pp. 32-39.
• DEROSA, S., HOLECEK, D.F., SUNDSTRUM, T.C., and MCGEEN, D. 1990. Bay Harbor Charity Classic National Offshore Powerboat Race survey highlights. Research Report. Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center, Michigan State University.
• LARSON, R.S., MAHONEY E.M. and HOLECEK, D.F. 1989. Customer relations and quality control in the service sector: Bibliography with selected abstracts. Research Report. Travel, Tourism, and Recreation Resource Center. Michigan State Univ.
• TALHELM, D. R. and HOLECEK, D. F. 1990. Forecasting Michigan's recreational boating use. Proceedings of the Sea Grant Component of the National Outdoor Recreation Symposium III. Brown, T., O'Leary, J. T. and Fesenmaier, D. R. (Editors).
• HOLECEK, D. F. 1990. Research and measurement. Chapter in Dimensions of Tourism. Educational Institute of the American Hotel and Motel Association. East Lansing, Michigan pp. 292-313.
• FRIDGEN, J. D. 1990. Dimensions of Tourism. Educational Institute of the American Hotel and Motel Association. East Lansing, Michigan. 361 p.

Progress 01/01/89 to 12/30/89

Outputs
The Michigan travel monitoring system continued in operation with the addition of a monthly news release to complement the monthly activity reports. Work has begun on an expanded and updated version of Travel and Tourism in Michigan: A Statistical Profile which will include new county level statistics and new chapters on public lands, tourist attractions, the characteristics of Michigan's travel market, cross country skiing, convention travel and the relationship between agriculture and tourism. The 1989 Tourism Topics Annual Report highlights recent research projects completed by TTRRC, the Department of Park and Recreation Resources and other MSU units conducting research in tourism. Final reports on a two year marketing research project conducted in Frankenmuth, MI; a study of Michigan bed and breakfast guests; a regional compvention; and an analysis of the market for adventure weekend vacation packages were completed.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Progress 01/01/88 to 12/30/88

Outputs
All components of the Michigan travel monitoring system are now in place and fully operational with the addition this year of the first annual report which presents a general summary of the monthly and seasonal reports. Preliminary work was completed on extending the system down to county level but quality and quantity of secondary data which are currently available were confirmed to be formidable constraints on the usefulness of county level tracking systems. Marketing research efforts focused on the bed and breakfast facility user, a special regional "campvention," and one tourism industry dominated community. Reports from these efforts will be completed in mid-1989. Final reports were completed for the Michigan recreational boating demand and marina needs assessment. Analyses indicate that despite recent rapid growth in new marinas and boatslips, need for more facilities still exceeds current and projected capacity. In an attempt to better target Michigan's travel promotion investments, linear discriminant analyses (LDA) was used to explore which of a sample of 5000 upper midwestern households would most likely make a trip to Michigan. Several LDA functions were developed which were reasonably effective in distinguishing Michigan destined from non-Michigan destined travel parties.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

• TALHELM, D.R., JORDAN, S.W., and HOLECEK, D.F. 1988. 1986 Michigan recreational boating survey. Research Report. Dept. of Park and Recreation Resources. Michigan State Univ. E. Lansing. p. 113.
• BISHOP, G.R. 1988. Michigan Travel Activity (Nov. 1987 Oct. 1988). Monthly Reports. Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center. Michigan State Univ. E. Lansing. p.2.
• BISHOP, G.R. and SPOTTS, D.M. 1988. Michigan Travel Activity: 1987 Summer Season Report. Seasonal Travel Monitoring Report #7. Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center. Michigan State Univ. E. Lansing. p. 21.
• BISHOP, G.R. and SPOTTS, D.M. 1988. Michigan Travel Activity: 1987 Fall Season Report. Seasonal Travel Monitoring Report #8. Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center. Michigan State Univ. E. Lansing. p. 21.
• BISHOP, G.R. and SPOTTS, D.M. 1988. Michigan Travel Activity: 1987 Winter Season Report. Seasonal Travel Monitoring Report #9. Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center. Michigan State Univ. E. Lansing. p. 29.
• BISHOP, G.R. and SPOTTS, D.M. 1988. Michigan Travel Activity: 1988 Spring Season Report. Seasonal Travel Monitoring Report #10. Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center. Michigan State Univ. E. Lansing. p. 17.
• SPOTTS, D.M. 1988. Michigan Travel Activity:1987 Annual Report. Annual Travel Monitoring Report #1. Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center. Michigan.

Progress 01/01/87 to 12/30/87

Outputs
The Michigan travel monitoring system was refined and expanded this year. Computer software was developed to reduce the time required to prepare both monthly and seasonal reports. New statistics relating to weather conditions, air traffic, inflation adjustments and local and regional level travel were added to the system. The attractions and ski area surveys were redesigned. Further improvements are in progress. Tax collection data by county were added for 1985 and 1986. With four years of data now available for travel dependent sectors of the economy, it is now possible to initiate some trend analyses of these data and comparative analyses with other data series such as employment data. Marketing and/or economic impact studies for selected tourist facilities/destinations were completed ranging from bottomland preserves to the seasonal events such as the Detroit Boat Show and Christmas at Crossroads Village. In the latter, visitor expenditures on the return home phase of the trip were revealed to be significantly greater than on the trip to the facility. This suggests that the commonly applied doubline of "trip to" expenses to arrive at total travel expenses can produce significant error. Co-op research programs are continuing to assist local, regional, and state government to address their travel research needs, especially those relating closely to their economic development activities.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

• HOLECEK, D.F. 1987. Pricing tourism products and services. Extension Bulletin E-1999. Cooperative Extension Service. Michigan State University. E. Lansing. p. 7.
• KINNUNEN, R., LEMPKE, J. and SUNDSTROM, T. 1987. Behavior patterns of divers visiting the Alger Bottomland Preserve. Michigan Sea Grant Program, #MICHU-SG-87-505. p. 9.
• PETERSON, J., SUNDSTROM, T. and STEWART, S. 1987. A profile of Great Lakes diver activity travel, and expenditure patterns. Michigan Sea Grant Program, #MICHU-SG-87-508. p. 28.
• PETERSON, J. and SUNDSTROM, T. 1987. A profile of 1986 diver activity in the Thunder Bay Bottomland Preserve. Michigan Sea Grant Program, #MICHU-SG-87-507. p. 9.
• PETERSON, J., SUNDSTROM, T. and KINNUNEN, R. 1987. 1986 recreational diving activity in Michigan bottomland preserves. Michigan Sea Grant Program, #MICHU-SG-87-506. p. 13.
• SPOTTS, D.M. 1987. Michigan Travel Activity: 1986 Summer Session Report. Travel Monitoring Report #3. Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center. Michigan State University. E. Lansing. p. 26.
• SPOTTS, D.M. 1987. Michigan Travel Activity: 1986 Fall Session Report. Travel Monitoring Report #4. Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center. Michigan.

Progress 10/01/86 to 12/30/86

Outputs
The most significant output this year was the completion of the first comprehensive compilation of data concerning Michigan's travel and tourism industry. The statistical abstract has already become one of our most popular publications. The data are being used for a wide range of purposes by both the private and public sectors. The travel monitoring system for the state is now fully operational. Monthly reports highlight year-to-year changes in highway traffic, state park use, attendance at selected attractions and weather conditions. Quarterly reports included these data series plus tax collections data. Results have been well received and are being widely used. Acquisition of hardware and software has given us the ability to publish our outputs very quickly which permits putting them in the hands of users shortly thereafter. A new comprehensive Michigan recreational boating study was initiated with the focus of assessing the state's facility needs for the next decade. A marina user survey has just been completed. A user friendly bulletin series is being completed to help the industry utilize the data and other information we are accumulating.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications