With Memorial Day weekend just a few days away, many people in the U.P. are looking ahead to a strong summer for area tourism.

The Alger County Chamber of Commerce is glad the start of summer is almost here.

They say their area had about 560,000 visitors last summer.

Executive director Kathy Reynolds says that was a strong figure for them, up by about 12% from 2010 levels, and they’re optimistic about another increase as the Pure Michigan ads continue to attract people’s attention.

Alger County is also trying to carry over some momentum from a good winter.

Warm temperatures meant fewer options than usual for snowmobiling or cross–country skiing.

Reynolds says the few areas of the U.P. that still had significant snow throughout the winter, like Alger County and the Keweenaw, had excellent seasons because winter outdoor enthusiasts had fewer places to go.

Tomorrow night on ABC 10 News Now, we’ll also have more for you about a particular feature of the Alger County summer tourism season.

Posted by: Mike Hoey