The purpose of the TIME Coalition is to increase funding for Michigan's Tourism Promotion program to $30 million annually, without raising taxes, surcharges or fees. Funding at such levels would allow Travel Michigan to engage in a truly national advertising campaign for the first time ever.
Here are just a few of the reasons why members of TIME believe that Michigan has a tourism product worthy of national attention:
- Michigan's unique geography provides visitors more miles of freshwater shoreline than any state in the country.
- Michigan ranks among the national leaders in total number of golf courses and number of golf courses per capita.
- Michigan retains its title as the number one boating state in the country with over 901,060 boats registered to private individuals.
- With over 40 downhill ski resorts, Ski magazine has named Michigan as the Midwest's Top Ski Destination!
- Michigan boasts over 5,800 miles of snowmobile trails located in State & National Forests, and is one of only three states that offer a large system of interconnected and groomed snowmobile trails.
Regardless of the season, Michigan offers some of the best in vacation and recreational opportunities nationwide. Unfortunately, few people outside of the Great Lakes region know this great tourism product exists. The members of TIME intend to improve awareness of Michigan tourism opportunities to help grow our state's economy!