BERRIEN CO. — You might think businesses in Southwest Michigan aren't doing well because of a struggling economy. But some business owners say they're actually seeing the opposite. Tourism in southwest Michigan is suspected to be at a higher level than ever.

The Southwest Michigan Tourism Council says it's still too soon to tell just how many more people are visiting that part of the state and spending money there. But many business owners in the area say they already know the answer.

"[Business] started out kind of slow in June," explained Kilwin's Candy and Ice Cream Shop co-owner Phil Dykstra.

G & M Variety Store manager Gloria Mance said Fourth of July weekend and the Saturday of the Venetian Festival were two of the biggest sales days she's ever seen in St. Joseph. Mance said she's worked in the same building for 51 years.

Phil Dykstra said he's never seen St. Joseph as busy as it's been this year. In fact, sales at Kilwin's are up about 6 percent this year and 20 percent this month, compared to last August.

"Everyone I've talked to has surpassed this year what we've done any other year," explained Southwest Michigan Tourism Council director Millicent Huminsky.

Huminksy went on to say high gas prices are one big reason why.

"I think people have come here and not traveled as far as they traditionally would have."

But not all businesses are booming. West Marine sells boating supplies in St. Joseph. It has been forced to close because boaters aren't spending money.

In fact, the Coast Guard said there were about 60 percent fewer boats on the water over the Fourth of July weekend, compared to past years. And some people who vacation in the southwest part of the state say they're not visiting as often, and trying not to spend as much money.

Jan Visser, her husband Michael and their two kids stay with relatives when they visit St. Joseph. Visser also said they bring a lot of their own food from their home in Oak Forest, Ill.

Local business owners admit they are feeling some effects of a struggling economy.

"We have to raise our prices," explained Kilwin's owner Phil Dykstra. "Obviously we don't like to, but we have to if we're going to stay in business."

But if visitors and locals keep spending their money in Southwest Michigan, staying in business shouldn't be too tough.

The Southwest Michigan Tourism Council says it also looks like hotels have been busier than normal this year. The council should have numbers for the entire summer in about a month.

Next Tuesday, the day after Labor Day, will be the third year Michigan students have gone back to school after Labor Day. The state made this change to help tourism.

Business owners say the best part of the later start date is getting to keep their staff through Labor Day. They're able to keep up with more tourists because they still have their summer help.