This has been a busy and, in many ways, uplifting month for the travel industry in the Michigan and throughout the United States. Last week, as we celebrated the 40^th annual National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), the administration —recognizing the importance of our industry—lifted COVID-19 vaccination requirements for international visitors to the U.S.  This removes a major barrier to traveling here and should help to draw visitors to Michigan, especially from our core markets of Canada, the United Kingdom/Ireland, as well as Germany, Austria and Switzerland. My hope is that the administration will further reduce barriers to this export business through the reduction of VISA application wait times and addressing Customs and Border Protection staffing issues. 

Speaking of NTTW, I want to thank the many people who helped to produce the National Travel and Tourism Week Pure Michigan-Return to Summer webcast series. Special thanks go to David Scott from My Michigan TV for producing the series, and to Tom Daldin and Jim Edelman from Under the Radar, for all they did. Others hosted events and many came out to share their stories with us during the visits around the state. If you missed the programs, you’ll find them at www.michigan.org/NTTW.

Cruise ships are back in the Great Lakes in greater numbers than ever.  This is partly attributed to the work of Cruise the Great Lakes, a two-nation consortium managed by the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governor’s & Premiers association. Our regional international work through Great Lakes USA, another initiative of the regional Governors’ association, is also picking up. In fact, the organization is now seeking an independent contractor to serve as a part-time director for both these groups. If you have an interest, please submit your proposal by email to gsgp@gsgp.org by June 15^th.

Lastly, I want to encourage you to support our Great Lakes by voting for the best lake for swimming and the best lake for watersports in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice awards for 2023. You can vote daily at www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-lake-2023/ until June 5^th.  Michigan attractions, restaurants, hotels and destinations have also been recognized for consideration as best in class. To view them all, click here. All are winners in my mind—so, I encourage you to vote for your favorites.

Summer is almost here. Next week, I’ll share a few things we’re doing to encourage travel during our busiest season.

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

Image: Point Betsie Lighthouse | Courtesy of Instagram Fan michiganartist

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