LANSING, Mich., May 21 /PRNewswire/ — Following a spectacular winter season, Michigan is making a big deal about the unofficial start to the summer travel season this Memorial Day weekend. With gas pump prices soaring, don’t cancel your summer vacation plans, reroute them to stay in Michigan.
“Michigan has a wealth of diverse travel products for any budget,” said George Zimmermann, Vice President of travel Michigan, a business unit of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “Even with gas prices escalating, travel by car is still cost-effective and provides a memorable family road trip experience.” Tourism is vital to Michigan’s economy, contributing $18.8 billion annually, accounting for 200,000 jobs and generating $1.1 billion in state tax revenues.
Instead of cutting back on travel, try cutting costs in other ways, such as finding deals and discounts or packages on the michigan.org web site. Michigan.org offers information on more than 12,000 properties within the State of Michigan, with more than 200 cost savings packages, including numerous gas card promotions. Mark michigan.org on your favorite list as packages are updated on a daily basis.
Log on to michigan.org to preview a number of one-tank vacation suggestions for every region of the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. Each destination offers things to do and see within a reasonable distance from home base. Families can also preview a Pure Michigan road trip; there are several to choose from, each themed for special interests and diverse regions of the state. Add a Michigan festival or event to a one-tank itinerary; choose from more than 100 summer festivals and events, from strawberries to Elvis.
There’s still time to order a free copy of the 2008 Michigan travel Ideas, the 120-page, full-color travel guide packed with tips for exploring the Great Lakes State in all four seasons. To request a copy of the free magazine log on to michigan.org or call toll-free (888) 784-7328. Michigan travel Ideas is also available at the 13 Michigan Welcome Centers across the state.
Travel Michigan, a division of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, 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 more information on traveling in the State of Michigan, visit the official travel Web site at michigan.org .
Contact: Kirsten Borgstrom, (517) 335-1871
Jenny Schilp, (248) 225-6744
Travel Michigan