BY ANTHONY RIZZO
The fall color in Michigan trees has arrived early this year. There is debate among officials how the early fall will affect tourism.
Tourism officials are concerned about this fall's color travel season being cut short. The shortened season could pose problems for local businesses.
Others think differently. Carlin Smith is the President of Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce.
He said he sees no slowing down, in the fall's tourism schedule.
"If I were to pull out my crystal ball, I would say the autumn tourism numbers will be just as strong as they have in the past, if not, even a little bit stronger. So I think our restaurants, our hotels and those businesses related to the hospitality industry will be just fine this fall. We're on the heels of a great summer, a really strong summer from a tourism standpoint."
Smith said leaves are beginning to fall rapidly this week due to high winds.
He said, looking ahead, he is hoping for snow this winter to build a strong winter tourism season.