To say that these last few weeks have been busy for the Travel Michigan team would be a crazy understatement. The team has been working to develop the next version of michigan.org, we’ve hosted more than 20-hours’ worth of MMGY NextFactor engagement sessions to better understand how we can rebound from the pandemic, we’ve held listening sessions with marketing partners, we’ve launched the  warm weather “Pursue Your Pure” marketing campaign, and we’re preparing for the upcoming Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism, April 19-21 at Grand Traverse Resort. It’s good to stay busy. 😊

Here’s the good news. There’s no need for you to read through endless reports for specifics on these important activities. You’ll be learning more about these initiatives at the conference next month.  The conference planning team is working with Traverse City Tourism to make sure you have a great time as you also learn, share and grow.  If you haven’t registered or reserved your room yet, please do so quickly as this will be a conference that you will not want to miss. You can access conference registration and hotel details here.

The latest research from Tourism Economics is showing that pent-up demand will motivate travelers to hit the road in near-record numbers this summer; however, the high cost of gasoline and other inflationary pressures are of concern. Thirty-eight percent of American travelers say rising gas costs will greatly impact their travel decisions in the next six months. This is up by 9 percentage points in just the last two weeks.  Respondents say they will still travel this summer, but they will economize and shift their spending to meet their budget. Regarding COVID, the survey found that thirty-eight percent of travelers will no longer consider COVID a factor as they make travel decisions.  Sixty-two percent will visit places with friends and family, forty percent will go to places with water and thirty-five percent will look for local and unique places to eat and shop.  It’s apparent that travelers will be looking for destinations like Pure Michigan.             

Michigan is best known as the state in the middle of 20% of the world’s fresh water. We’re also renowned for our national and state parks. There is a coalition you should know about, that is working to keep Michigan’s UP “wild” and they are seeking your input. This coalition of nearly 300 environmental, outdoor recreation, political, academic, business and religious communities from across the state have signed on to an effort to protect roughly 50,000 acres of Ottawa National Forest in the Upper Peninsula. These areas include the Trap Hills, the Ehlcho Area, Norwich Plains, and an addition to the Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness. By designating these areas as Federal Wilderness, Congress will permanently shield some of Michigan’s most special places to protect their pristine nature. These areas would be preserved for hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, birdwatching, kayaking, canoeing, snowshoeing and the other activities that promote economic activity and tourism to the beautiful parts of our state. The “Keep the U.P Wild” campaign is seeking your input. You can learn more about this effort, the places and the coalition at www.KeeptheUPWild.com. If you have any feedback or are interested in getting involved, please contact Tyler Barron (tbarron@elpc.org) for more information.

I look forward to seeing you next month, in Traverse City.

All Best,
David Lorenz
Vice President
Travel Michigan
(517) 243-3073       

Photo:  Golfing at Bay Harbor | Courtesy of Pure Michigan

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