Tourism leaders from across Michigan gathered Monday in South Haven to kick off National Travel and Tourism Week, highlighting the industry’s role in driving the state’s economy.
Nick Nerbonne with Travel Michigan tells us this year’s theme is “Postmarked: Essential,” stressing that travel is fundamental to economic growth, workforce development, and community vitality. And what better place to talk tourism than South Haven?
“South Haven is on the Lake Michigan shoreline, and it’s certainly a wonderful place to visit in all four seasons of the year,” Nerboone said. “As we head into the spring and summer travel season, it’s definitely a popular place from folks coming up from Chicago and from around the state to enjoy the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline.”
Pure Michigan Vice President Kelly Wolgamott and Visit South Haven Director Jen Sistrunk spoke about the importance of travel in the state at the event at the Michigan Maritime Museum.
“South Haven is proud to host this year’s National Travel and Tourism Week press conference,” Sistrunk said. “Tourism plays an important role in communities like ours, supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and inviting visitors to experience the beauty and culture of Michigan’s Great Lakes.”
Nerbonne says even with costs for everything — especially gas — up, Southwest Michigan could still have a strong tourism season.
“One thing that was discussed today is that as people may look to stay a little closer to home, that may benefit Michigan, where people are traveling throughout the state here rather than going on longer trips. We are a great road trip state. There’s so many places to see by car here in Michigan, whether it’s in the Northern Lower Peninsula, across the UP, or over into Detroit.”
Nerbonne says wherever you go in Michigan, there’s something exciting to see. He notes travel creates more than 353,000 jobs around Michigan and generates more than $54 billion in economic impact in the state each year.
Guests in South Haven for Monday’s event took a tour of the Michigan Maritime Museum, which has announced it will unveil its new Harris Commercial Fishing Exhibit later this month, offering an in-depth look at Lake Michigan’s commercial fishing heritage.
