Tourism leaders from across Michigan gathered Monday, May 4 2026 at the Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven to kick off National Travel and Tourism Week (May 3–9, 2026), highlighting the industry’s critical role in driving the state’s economy and supporting communities statewide.

​

The event, hosted by the Tourism Industry Coalition of Michigan in partnership with Pure Michigan and Visit South Haven, brought together industry leaders, media, and stakeholders to recognize the impact of travel across the state.

​

This year’s National Travel and Tourism Week theme, “Postmarked: Essential,” highlights that travel is not optional. It is fundamental to economic growth, workforce development, and community vitality. Nationally, travel generates $3 trillion in economic output and supports 15 million jobs. In Michigan, tourism generates $54.8 billion in total economic impact, including more than $30 billion in visitor spending, and supports over 350,000 jobs statewide.

​

Featured Media Coverage

• WJR Radio – Interview with Chad Wiebesick, Destination Ann Arbor
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chad-wiebesick-director-of-media-relations-at/id707508884?i=1000766662623

• Live in the D (WDIV Detroit) – National Travel and Tourism Week: Make Your Summer Travel Plans
https://www.clickondetroit.com/live-in-the-d/2026/05/04/national-travel-and-tourism-week-make-your-summer-travel-plans/

• The Washington Post – Beaches Less Crowded Than the Caribbean
https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/tips/beaches-less-crowded-caribbean/

• Detroit News – Michigan Summer Travel Guide for Affordable Road Trips
https://www.detroitnews.com/story/travel/2026/05/18/michigan-summer-travel-guide-for-affordable-road-trips/90148677007/

• Michigan Meetings & Events – Tourism Delivers $54.8 Billion in Michigan Economic Activity
https://meetingsmags.com/michigan/tourism-delivers-54-8-billion-in-michigan-economic-activity/

• Moody on the Market – $54.8 Billion Economic Impact Highlighted During NTTW Event
https://www.moodyonthemarket.com/54-8-billion-in-michigan-economic-impact-highlighted-during-national-travel-tourism-week-event-in-south-haven/

• WWMT-TV 3 (CBS) – National Travel and Tourism Week Celebrations in South Haven
https://wwmt.com/news/local/national-travel-tourism-week-michigan-pure-celebrate-maritime-museum-lake-south-haven-money-economy-travelers-mitten-state-wwmt

• FOX 17 West Michigan – Finding Your Summer Getaway with My Michigan Beach
https://www.fox17online.com/news/morning-news/interview-finding-your-summer-getaway-with-my-michigan-beach

• Michigan Golf Course Association – Promoting Michigan's $6 Billion Golf Industry During NTTW
https://www.michigangca.org/latest-news/mgca-promotes-the-6b-michigan-golf-industry-during-national-travel-and-tourism-week

• Michigan's Big Show with Michael Patrick Shiels – Interview with Kelly Wolgamott, Pure Michigan
https://podcasts.apple.com/ci/podcast/kelly-wolgamott-vice-president-of-pure-michigan/id1167142200?i=1000766047540&l=en-GB

​

Additional coverage was secured through WLBY, WKZO, WHTC, WSJM, WOTV 8, WWJ Newsradio 950, WGHN, WTVB, WGVU Radio, South Haven Beacon, Great Lakes Sports Fishing News, and other local and regional outlets across Michigan.