LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

EDITORIAL & BUSINESS OFFICE

P.O. Box 4020 Traverse City, MI 49685 231-947-8787

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Luke W. Haase lhaase@tcbusinessnews.com

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Gayle Neu gneu@tcbusinessnews.com

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Kyra Cross Poehlman

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Becky Kalajian

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Gary Twardowski

SERVING: Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau and Benzie counties their innovative efforts to keep tourism growing in the region, and their unwavering dedication to the partnership we have with them. They are the team that is driving the area’s success, and deserve to be recognized as such.

We are still in recovery mode with our bigger cities still reeling from the loss of conference and convention business, but it appears that segment of the travel industry will continue to rebound both this year and next. International travel should also start to return this coming year. Growing tourism in the state, regardless of the region, is a winwin for the state of Michigan as a whole, and also for the communities across both great peninsulas. Visitor perception continues to grow for Michigan as a four-season tourism destination and once visitors have the opportunity to experience what we have to offer, they tend to want to come back and explore other areas of the state.

A new Pure Michigan advertising campaign will be launched next month and we are optimistic about realizing a healthy return to travel this coming warm-weather season. Years of success with the Pure Michigan campaign puts us in a better position for a quicker rebound than many other destinations around the world. This effort has helped to change the dialogue about Michigan and Traverse City has been a long-standing partner in that effort.

People have come to know us as a place that offers spectacular lifestyle – more than just a place to vacation, they now see Michigan as a place to live, work, go to school, consider for investment, build a future and yes, play. I am proud of the efforts of the Travel Michigan team to work together with our partners at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation in areas beyond just promoting the state as a travel destination. Together, we are working toward a holistic approach – across mobility accessibility, affordable and attainable housing, and workforce attraction, development, and retention –to ensure that Michigan remains a leading state for economic and equitable growth. These efforts have been recognized by peers and industry experts as some of the best, garnering countless awards both domestically and abroad.

We are always adjusting the way we present the Pure Michigan message to meet the ever-evolving needs and expectations of the traveler. This year and in the future, we will be more deliberate to take on bigger-picture issues, with consideration of travel trends and desires, while always being true to the core message that all are welcome in Pure Michigan.

Dave Lorenz is vice president of Travel Michigan at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. To learn more about how you can Pursue your Pure this winter and all year round, go to Michigan.org.

AD SALES Lisa Gillespie lisa@northernexpress.com

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Michele Young myoung@tcbusinessnews.com

The Traverse City Business News

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