By John Bebow - April 17, 2008
In a rare fit of bipartisan progress, the Michigan Legislature is on the verge of infusing huge marketing dollars into Michigan's tourism economy.
A package of bills almost ready for the governor's signature would create the Michigan Promotion Program and more than double Michigan tourism promotion funding from state coffers.
Under the plan, which relies on savings gained through state bond refinancing, Michigan tourism spending would reach $30 million this year and hold at $25 million over the next two years. That's a delighful contrast from just three years ago when Michigan spent a meager $5.7 million promoting our woods, waters, and bountiful recreational and cultural assets.
As noted in the Michigan Scorecard, the Great Lakes State has ranked way below leading states in tourism spending in recent years.
State budget analysts explained in a recent report why boosting tourism promotion is a no-brainer...
"... Tourism promotion expenditures by the state ove the last three years resulted in estimated increased tax revenue at an average rate of $2.76 of additional state tax revenue for every dollar spent on advertising. It is likely that the additional tourism expenditures would result in a positive return to the economy at large and to state revenue in particular."
2 Comments
We should spend more on areas in our state that are clearly revenue producing ventures.
Its common knowledge that you have to invest to get a return on that investment. So our state must spend some money to make money.
Tourism is a good choice to spend on, because the reasons people come to our state, are also the reasons people who live here like it too.
That looks like a great program.
I especially like the part that prohibits spending on any state or MEDC employees. I say this not because I bear them any ill will, but because I believe we need to diversify the message from Michigan.
While "Pure Michigan" is a great campaign, I don't believe it is the end-all. Other messages and message-makers need to get funding to tell more stories from our state.
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