Short-term rentals boost local economy

From staff reports

The reopening of short-term rentals in mid-June gave the Sleeping Bear Dunes region an immediate economic boost because of the money overnight tourists spend at area restaurants, shops and outfitters.

“Generally, accommodations is what drives your revenues, amenities, and food and beverage,” said The Homestead senior vice president Adriene Kokowicz. “It’s the heads and beds that bring people up here.” 

“Short-term rentals are the spokes to our economic wheel,” said Cherry Republic president Bob Sutherland. “We’re a tourism economy, but we don’t have that many hotel rooms. Weekly rentals are important. Those people being here a week are impor- tant, and different than people who just come for two days. They get deeper into our economy than a two-day visitor, and spread their money so much better throughout Leelanau County.”