What are we doing:
Tourism is an important sector within our region; however, there is a lack of market and spending data to equip our region to identify and capitalize on new opportunities. Through a partnership with University of Michigan’s Economic Growth Institute and the Western U.P. Planning and Development Region we are collecting data on spending and visitation patterns from tourists.
What we are asking:
Anyone visiting the Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan counties of Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, and/or Ontonagon during 2023 is eligible to participate in the survey. The survey is available online through Qualtrics. The questionnaire will assess why you visited the area, general location of your stay and visit, and spending patterns. This type of data is very helpful for us to better understand how to serve our tourists and invest in our region.
If you agree to participate, you will be asked to complete the survey. With this survey, there are minimal anticipated risks with breach of confidentiality. Please see below for details of how we will protect your confidentiality and identity.
Participating in this study is completely voluntary, and there is no compensation for your participation. WUPPDR will be randomly selecting two participants for prizes. Even if you decide to participate now, you may change your mind and stop at any time. You may choose not to answer any question or continue with the survey for any reason.
We will protect the confidentiality of the data collected in multiple ways. Identifiable information (email addresses) will be stored separately from collected survey data if you chose to share your email addresses. All findings will be aggregated. Information collected in this project may be shared with other researchers within the Economic Growth Institute, but we will not share any information that could identify you. Additionally, your email address will only be used to contact you if you win the drawing.
What is the benefit to you?
The findings will provide market intelligence that will help local leaders and businesses make investments in regional infrastructure to accelerate economic growth and support the region’s visitor economy. It will also help us better understand travelers’ interests, behaviors and characteristics to enhance destination development and marketing efforts.
Questions:
For questions and additional information please contact:
Sarah Crane, PhD, Research Manager, Economic Growth Institute, University of Michigan
sarahrcr@umich.edu; (517) 240-7005
Jerald (Jerry) Wuorenmaa, Executive Director, Western U.P. Planning & Development Region
jwuorenmaa@wuppdr.org; (906) 482-7205 x111