The Pure Michigan tourism campaign focuses on attracting travel to Michigan -- but during the COVID-19 pandemic, travel to or within Michigan has been discouraged by the governor. | Unsplash
The Pure Michigan tourism campaign focuses on attracting travel to Michigan -- but during the COVID-19 pandemic, travel to or within Michigan has been discouraged by the governor. | Unsplash
As Gov. Gretchen Whitmer advises state residents not to travel for the holidays, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has simultaneously started a campaign to promote tourism, according to Michigan Capitol Confidential.
“We all know the next two months are going to be hard,” Whitmer said at a recent press conference, reported by Michigan Capitol Confidential. “Too many people traveled for Thanksgiving, and we will see our numbers increase very likely because of it. And that’ll coincide with the next big holiday, Christmas, and too many people are considering traveling. And I’m reiterating, please don’t. About four weeks after that, we will see the impact of that.”
Despite the governor’s message, the MEDC is moving forward to launch the Pure Michigan tourism campaign, which is expected to start later this month.
Pure Michigan is a $15 million taxpayer-funded government marketing program intended to promote the tourism industry. The Michigan Legislature has authorized funding for it during the current fiscal year.