2022 National Travel and Tourism Week celebrates the power of travel, activates support for Michigan travel and tourism industry

Community, government and tourism leaders gather to tout economic benefits of tourism to state

LANSING, Mich. – Tourism industry leaders are gathered in Frankenmuth today to celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week, recognizing the collective strength of Michigan’s travel industry and the contributions of the U.S. travel industry in driving economic recovery growth and building the path forward through the theme “The Future of Travel.” The theme elevates how the travel industry can restore the workforce, help communities recover, foster sustainability, usher in new innovations, and reconnect travelers in the U.S. and around the world.

“National Travel and Tourism Week is an opportunity to remind visitors and residents of the incredible contributions of the travel industry not just to our local economy and workforce, but to our community’s identity and culture,” said Dave Lorenz, Vice President of Travel Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “With warm weather upon us, we are reminding travelers about the opportunities for taking the perfect summer vacation or getaway in Michigan.”

As part of National Travel and Tourism Week, the Michigan Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus (MACVB) is hosting its second annual statewide scavenger hunt. Last year more than 30 destinations throughout Michigan participated. This fun, statewide scavenger hunt will engage and encourage Michiganders to ‘hunt’ for gift cards in participating communities to various Michigan restaurants and breweries hidden throughout their towns. The initiative will ultimately inspire people to travel further and to new places in Michigan.

Residents and travelers alike are invited to join the fun by posting their favorite Michigan overnight vacation pictures online using #MIFutureofTravel to be entered to win one of 10 ultimate Michigan road trip packages, including overnight stays, activity vouchers and dining certificates. Details can be found at michigan.org/scavengerhunt.

“Over the last two years, we have overcome our industry's most devastating crisis — and now, the importance of travel is clearer than ever before,” said TICOM President Chad Wiebesick. “But through it all, we are emerging and preparing for a future of travel that is more innovative, more inclusive, and more sustainable. Our industry will play a critical role in rebuilding the workforce, helping communities recover, fostering sustainability, ushering in new innovations, and reconnecting travelers in Michigan, the U.S., and around the world.”

Celebrated annually the first full week in May, NTTW was created by Congress in 1983 to elevate the economic power of travel in the U.S. The 39th annual NTTW arrives as the industry looks ahead to future growth and success following the challenges of the past two years.

“The diversity of Michigan's rich tourism industry not only provides a wealth of economic benefits for the state, but ensures that Michiganders have the opportunity to pursue their own Pure... whatever that means to them. Maybe it means reconnecting with your kids over a campfire or a chicken dinner or building lasting memories of reeling in that big one on a charter boat or escaping the hustle and bustle for a serene hike along a Pure Michigan Trail, or on the contrary, letting the music take you away at a big festival or concert,” said Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jamie Furbush. “What draws people to our communities is what also makes them wonderful places to live. The Future of Travel in Michigan is exactly what you need it to be.”

In April, the award-winning Pure Michigan advertising campaign returned for audiences across the Midwest to inspire both spring and summer travel this season. The regional and in-state Pure Michigan warm weather broadcast and connected TV advertising campaign will run in key markets through Aug. 31, 2022.

The campaign includes two brand new television commercials, “On the Street” and “On Repeat,” highlighting the many diverse destinations and experiences Michigan offers while also encouraging travelers to pursue their own unique experiences. Additional commercials featured include 14 Clubs, Along the Way, Perfect Summer, and Wish You Were Here.

The ads will be seen in out-of-state markets including Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Fort Wayne, Green Bay, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, South Bend, Toledo, Atlanta, Louisville and St. Louis. In-state markets include Alpena, Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Marquette and Traverse City.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.