(Source: MIRS.news, Published 02/06/2024) Tuesday, a collaborative of statewide and regional hospitality and tourism organizations, called the Michigan Hospitality and Tourism Alliance, announced its formation, along with a corresponding bicameral caucus.
Ahead of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s budget presentation Wednesday, the group is seeking $50 million for the Pure Michigan marketing campaign.
The Alliance was founded by the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association in collaboration with the Michigan Travel Commission. Its founding members are the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau, the Michigan Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus, the Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds, the Boating Industries Association, the Brewers Guild, the Festivals and Events Association, the Restaurant and Lodging Association, the Snowsports Industries Association, the Tourism Industry Coalition of Michigan, Traverse City Tourism and Visit Detroit.
At the same time, the Alliance announced the creation of a bipartisan, bicameral “Hospitality and Tourism Caucus” that will work with them on policy.
Founding caucus members include Sen. John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs), Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), Rep. Will Snyder (D-Muskegon) and Rep. Nancy DeBoer (R-Holland).
Snyder said he’s seen “firsthand how important hospitality and tourism is to Muskegon’s economy and to the livelihood of so many of my constituents.
“I am therefore honored to be help lead as co-chair included in Michigan’s first-ever Hospitality and Tourism Caucus and look forward to getting to work,” he said.
