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While tonight’s Tigers game is certainly at the top of most of our minds, there is also promising new data, continuing initiatives and congratulations to share this week for Michigan’s travel industry.
MICHIGAN LODGING REPORT & TOURISM ECONOMICS COUNTY REPORT
Smith Travel Research released the Michigan Lodging Report (2020-2024), which shows Michigan’s August occupancy rate of 69.4% is the highest it has been since 2019, and 1.3% higher than the previous year. The report also states that August 2024 has witnessed the highest August Average Daily Rate (ADR) for both Michigan and the U.S in the past five years, with an increase of 2.4% for Michigan and 2.7% for the US in August 2024 from the same time last year, reaching $151.4 and $157.84, respectively. Michigan’s ADR in August also outpaced last year’s levels, increasing $3.6 – and is nearly $10 more than August two years ago ($141.7 to $ 151.4).
We are also excited to share that the anticipated 2023 Tourism Economics County report for Michigan is now available to review on michigan.org. You can find the statewide report and more research here.
TOURISM EXCHANGE USA
Brand USA Travel Week is just around the corner, where tourism professionals from the US will connect with industry leaders from around the world, driving the future of travel in the US – and in Michigan. In the spirit of this collaboration and connection, our team continues to prioritize our work with Tourism Exchange USA. By working with industry partners across Michigan, we are connecting tourism-focused businesses to the Tourism Exchange global online travel marketplace. Michigan is one of the first states in the US to have access to Tourism Exchange, and as travel planners and tour operators book travel to the Great Lakes region through the Exchange, we want Michigan destinations to be at the top of their list.
The goal of this national initiative, supported by Brand USA, is to connect suppliers (accommodations, attractions and experiences) directly with domestic and global distributors, and develop new revenue streams through new online bookings. Learn more about Tourism Exchange and how to start getting connected here.
MICHIGAN TRAVEL COMMISSION REAPPOINTMENTS
Congratulations to Julie Rogers (Director of Marketing at The Highlands), Patrick Brys (President and CEO of Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery) and Susan Estler (CEO of Travel Marquette) on their reappointments to Michigan’s Travel Commission! Our team is excited to continue working with Julie, Patrick and Susan for the next four years, as their expertise and wealth of knowledge will be invaluable as the commission continues to promote and maintain the growth of our travel and tourism industry. The Michigan Travel Commission will meet again on November 8, 2024, at Crystal Mountain Resort for those who would like to attend. Find more details about the upcoming meeting here.
Lastly, I look forward to seeing our CVB partners in Gaylord next week for our annual Partner Summit. If you have questions about the meeting, please contact Ken Yarsevich at yarsevichk@michigan.org.
Go Tigers!
Kelly Wolgamott
Vice President, Pure Michigan
Travel Michigan
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