Industry Remains Optimistic For Winter Tourism

DETROIT (WWJ) - The winter tourism season in Michigan really hasn't cranked up yet, but WWJ's Rob Sanford says there's tons of optimism.

The $1.7 million Pure Michigan winter ad campaign is underway in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin, and is slated to run through early February.

Dave Lorenz of Travel Michigan said they believe this could be a big year for winter tourism in the state

"We've been looking at the data for the travel industry all year and even though we don't have everything in yet, by far we're seeing some very positive, at least early indicators that the industry continues to move forward, that the travel and leisure sector is a positive force for the state this year, and we think it's going to be a great year," Lorenz said.

In 2011, the overall partnership and advertising budget, which includes matching funds from Travel Michigan, has expanded to more than $6 million and included national partnerships for the first time.