Michigan Tourism Index Declines Sharply in Fourth Quarter Reports Comerica Bank

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Tue Feb 17, 2009 12:48pm EST

DALLAS, Feb. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Comerica Bank's Michigan Tourism
Index fell six points to 87 in the fourth quarter of 2008.  The third quarter
level was revised to 93, down one point from the preliminary estimate. The
fourth quarter level marks our index's lowest reading in 16 years. Over the
four quarters of 2008, our index declined 11 percent, similar to the 12
percent decline recorded in the 2001 recession.

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010807/CMALOGO)

"Similar to so many other measures of economic activity, the decline in our
tourism index accelerated markedly in late 2008," said Dana Johnson, Chief
Economist at Comerica Bank. "With the national and state economy still clearly
contracting in early 2009, further declines in the Michigan Tourism index seem
inevitable, as households and businesses cut back on discretionary travel.  By
midyear, however, declines in tourism are likely to become less severe, as
recessionary pressures begin to moderate."

The Michigan Tourism Index is a quarterly summary of six equally weighted,
seasonally adjusted travel, lodging and entertainment data series. These
series serve as a proxy for statewide tourism activity. Historical index
levels are available upon request.

Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA) is a financial services company
headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and strategically aligned by three business
segments: The Business Bank, The Retail Bank, and Wealth & Institutional
Management. Comerica focuses on relationships, and helping people and
businesses be successful. In addition to Texas, Comerica Bank locations can be
found in Arizona, California, Florida and Michigan, with select businesses
operating in several other states, as well as in Canada, China and Mexico.
Comerica reported total assets of $67.5 billion as of December 31, 2008. 

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SOURCE  Comerica Bank

Media Contact, Dana Johnson, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist,
+1-214-462-6839, djohnson@comerica.com, or Data Contact, Meaghan Derrick,
Research Assistant, +1-214-462-6815, maderrick@comerica.com, both of Comerica
Bank
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