Greetings from Washington D.C., where this week, I’m taking part in face-to-face discussions with key Michigan congressional members about issues that will affect the future of the U.S. travel industry. I’m joined here by representatives from Detroit, Traverse City and Mackinac Island in advocating for policies which will help rebuild our workforce, restore international travel, reignite in-person meetings and events, and reimagine the role of travel and tourism in improving global competitiveness.

Speaking of our workforce, there was some good news that came out of Washington late last week about the release of 35,000 H2B VISAs. While this is a move in the right direction, it’s far from what is needed to fill the 100,000 requests for workers who will be vital this season for the travel industry, alone. 

It’s clear that these seasonal VISA holders will need to work side-by-side with many other domestic workers this summer as we prepare for the anticipated start of the rebound of travel. Longwoods International tells us that 91% of American travelers surveyed say they have plans to roam in the next 6 months. This is despite concerns about COVID and high gas prices, though respondents did say these concerns will cause them to spend less and stay closer to home. You’ll find other interesting findings in this week’s report, here.   

We’ll have an opportunity to hear insights from leading travel industry experts including Pauline Frommer from Frommer Media at this year’s Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism. It will be held April 19^th-21^st at the Grand Traverse Resort. If you’ve not made plans to attend, please do so soon by registering here.

If you’re looking for a way to support one of our many beautiful Pure Michigan gems after the conference, you might consider participating in a beach cleanup happening Saturday, April 30^th at William C. Sterling State Park in Monroe. Great Lakes Responsibility, a group with a goal of keeping our waters clean, is hosting the cleanup event. You can learn more here: or contact Meag Shwartz at Greatlakesgreatresponsibility@gmail.com.

Busy people seldom get bored, so I hope to see you at the conference and/or beach cleanup soon!

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

Photo: South Haven sunset|Photo Courtesy of Instagram Fan @emmybraasch

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