Michigan.org Most Visited State Tourism Web Site in U.S.
LANSING -- The state of Michigan's official travel and tourism Web site, www.michigan.org, attracted more visits than any state tourism site in the country for the fifth consecutive year, according to the independent online measurement company Experian Hitwise.
A clear favorite, Michigan.org received 7.69 percent of the overall market share of visits to state tourism sites, and had nearly 3 million more visits than number two state tourism Web site, Arkansas.
"As we have expanded our efforts to promote Pure Michigan nationwide, people have responded positively to our award-winning advertising campaign, as well as the message we are delivering about the tremendous travel opportunities Michigan has to offer," said George Zimmermann, vice president of Travel Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corp. "The high volume of traffic to michigan.org translates into business for travel and tourism destinations across the state, which helps retain and create jobs for Michigan residents."
Michigan.org recorded more than 8.6 million hits over the course of the year, with consumers using the site an average of 23,689 times per day. In addition, click-throughs from the site to other Michigan tourism industry sites totaled an average of 16,379 per day and 5,978,448 for the year.
Pure Michigan's social media efforts have also continued to lead the industry, with nearly 337,000 fans on Facebook -- the highest number of fans for any state tourism Facebook page in the nation. Pure Michigan also has an active Twitter and blog community, and a subscriber list of more than 420,000 people to The Pure Michigan eNewsletter.
Said Zimmermann: "With Michigan.org, Facebook, Twitter, the Pure Michigan Connect blog, our eNewsletter and the Pure Michigan Flickr page there is no shortage of ways to plan your Pure Michigan vacation."
Consumers visiting Michigan.org will find more than 15,000 Michigan tourism attractions, events, hotels, resorts and restaurants, as well as information to help plan itineraries and find deals and discounts, including ideas for one-tank trips.
The travel and tourism industry generated $17.2 billion in Michigan in 2010 and helped create an estimated 152,600 jobs statewide. 2010 also saw spending by out-of-state visitors surpass that of Michigan residents for the first time.
Travel Michigan, part of the MEDC, is the State of Michigan's official agency for the promotion of tourism. Travel Michigan markets the state's tourism industry and provides valuable visitor information services. For Michigan travel news and updates, go to www.michigan.org.
The MEDC, a public-private partnership serving as the state's marketing arm and lead agency for business, talent and jobs, focuses on helping grow Michigan's economy. For more on the MEDC and its initiatives, visit www.MichiganAdvantage.org.
