Pure Michigan Tourism Industry Update

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Fall

FROM THE DESK OF KELLY WOLGAMOTT

Rockport Recreation Area

This week marked the official start of the fall season, and it’s time to immerse ourselves in the crescendo of colors and experiences of Pure Michigan. Along with the spectacular foliage comes events throughout that celebrate the season. Don’t miss out on the last weekend of ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, and check out current and upcoming events like Tricks and Treats at Michigan’s Adventure, the Charlevoix Apple Festival and the Fresh Coast Film Festival in Marquette.

To bring fresh awareness to Michigan’s ongoing sustainable efforts, we partnered with content creator Outside in an authentic storytelling partnership. Leveraging Outside’s travel-loving and sustainably minded content has extended our audience reach to tell the story of our statewide eco-friendly efforts. Based on recent research, Michigan prospects are substantially more likely to say a travel service provider’s focus on sustainability impacts their travel decision-making compared to non-prospects (60% v. 29%). Find more insights on the prospective environmentally conscious traveler research here. Additionally, in 2022 environmentally conscious travelers made up 20% of all active travelers, were expected to plan four leisure trips and spend almost $5,000 on travel in the next 12 months. 

This partnership will inspire their travel-obsessed audience to plan their next adventure in Pure Michigan. Take a look at our stories with Outside highlighting eco-friendly road trips, exploring Mackinac Island, experiencing Michigan as a local and a guide to sustainable travel in Michigan.

On another note, Circle Michigan announced a transition in leadership with the appointment of Lisa Kukulski to Executive Director of the organization, succeeding Janet Kasic, who announced her retirement as Executive Director to the Board of Directors at a September board meeting. Congratulations to Lisa as she steps into her new role, and to Janet for a well-deserved retirement and her contributions with promoting group travel to Michigan for seventeen years.

Unfortunately, the beauty of fall colors doesn’t last long. If you’re looking to savor the season, sign up for the latest Fall Color Report with current color forecasts and seasonal events. If you didn’t see the news, Mackinac Island was named one of the Top 5 Best Fall Destinations by USA Today 10 Best! This comes as no surprise as Michigan continues to prove itself as a top destination to celebrate the fall season.

Fall fly fishing Pere Marquette

On another note, Circle Michigan announced a transition in leadership with the appointment of Lisa Kukulski to Executive Director of the organization, succeeding Janet Kasic, who announced her retirement as Executive Director to the Board of Directors at a September board meeting. Congratulations to Lisa as she steps into her new role, and to Janet for a well-deserved retirement and her contributions with promoting group travel to Michigan for seventeen years.

Unfortunately, the beauty of fall colors doesn’t last long. If you’re looking to savor the season, sign up for the latest Fall Color Report with current color forecasts and seasonal events. If you didn’t see the news, Mackinac Island was named one of the Top 5 Best Fall Destinations by USA Today 10 Best! This comes as no surprise as Michigan continues to prove itself as a top destination to celebrate the fall season.

All best,
Kelly Wolgamott
Director, Travel Marketing
Travel Michigan
517-643-2838

Images: Rockport State Recreation Area, Alpena & Fly Fishing, Pere Marquette River

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TOURISM NEWS & TRENDS

THE DANGERS OF DOWNGRADING BUSINESS TRAVEL
Travel Industry Today | September 27, 2023

Great Lakes cruise industry continues to thrive
9&10 News | September 25, 2023

U.S. Travel to Induct Elliott L. Ferguson, II, Peter Herschend Into Travel Industry's Hall of Leaders
U. S. Travel Association | September 23, 2023  

DNR stocks 9 million-plus fish (269 tons) so far this year
Department of Natural Resources | September 21, 2023

Federal Government Shutdown Would Cost U.S. Travel Economy $140 Million Per Day
U. S. Travel Association | September 20, 2023

Travel Works for Detroit – the Latest Roadshow Stop on our National Advocacy Tour
U. S. Travel Association | September 18, 2023

MICHIGAN DESTINATIONS

DNR News: Wetlands, werewolves, waterfowl and zip-line color
Department of Natural Resources | September 27, 2023

Where to see thousands of massive, prehistoric birds in Michigan this fall
MLive | September 27, 2023

3 trails for gorgeous fall color in Michigan’s Porcupine Mountains
MLive | September 26, 2023  

2 Michigan small towns named to list of best U.S. spots for fall color
MLive | September 26, 2023

Michigan forest transformed into haunted, illuminated Halloween trail
MLive | September 23, 2023

Choose Lansing Announces Support for Color Blindness Awareness Month
Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau | September 22, 2023

Our 23rd Annual Harvest Fest is Almost Here!
Chateau Chantal | September 22, 2023

Two Hilton Hotels Planned for US-31/Three Mile Road Intersection
The Ticker | September 22, 2023

PURE MICHIGAN NEWS & UPDATES

‘Travel Michigan’ Reports Tourism Continuing to Improve Across the State
MoodyontheMarket.com | September 15, 2023

Pure Michigan Campaign Targets Fall Tourism; U.P. Highlighted By National Geographic Radioresultsnetwork.com | September 11, 2023

Dave Lorenz, State Tourism Director Of The Year
Brand USA | August 29, 2023

National recognition spotlights inclusive spirit and innovative marketing efforts of Pure Michigan campaign
Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) | August 25, 2023

Michigan’s Dave Lorenz Named State Tourism Director of the Year
U. S. Travel Association | August 21, 2023

State allocates $1M to help visitor bureaus improve accessibility for travelers
Crain’s Grand Rapids Business | August 23, 2023

Dave Lorenz named State Tourism Director of the Year
Grand Haven Tribune | August 22, 2023

Michigan’s Dave Lorenz Named State Tourism Director of the Year
TravelPulse.com | August 21, 2023

Meet the new voice of 'Pure Michigan' campaign
ClickOnDetroit | August 4, 2023

Q&A With Artist jessica Care moore
Pure Michigan Article

I Am Detroit Summer
Pure Michigan Podcast

BEYOND MICHIGAN

Black Travel Summit to Launch National Black Travel Day
Travel Pulse | September 27, 2023  

Luxury Resorts Bet on Food and Wine Festivals to Attract Guests
Travel Pulse | September 26, 2023  

Ice Skating is Especially Magical At These 10 Outdoor Destinations
Midwest Living | September 23, 2023

The Taylor Swift Impact – 5 Months and $5+ Billion
U. S. Travel Association | September 19, 2023  

Netflix Billionaire Buys North America’s Largest Ski Resort
Forbes | September 17, 2023  

Historic war office used by Winston Churchill is transformed into luxury Raffles London hotel
CNN |August 31, 2023

Biggest food festivals across the globe
India Today NE|September 25, 2023