Pure Michigan Campaign Urges Safe Tourism

In an ordinary year, Michigan – the Great Lakes State – has a robust tourism-based economy.  Even during the height of the coronavirus pandemic in our state, the Governor’s executive orders allowed Michiganders to get outside for fitness and recreation.  And now that Michigan begins to cautiously reopen, residents and businesses are eager to take advantage of the state’s unique natural and historic resources.

Tempering this enthusiasm is concern that increased travel may cause COVID cases to spread from areas of higher concentration to the touristy areas of Northern Michigan, which have fewer hospitals and other medical resources necessary to contain an outbreak.  These fears are not unfounded, as pictures from around Michigan over the 4^th of July weekend show tens of thousands of vehicles crossing the Mackinac Bridge between the two peninsulas and hundreds of revelers congregating on a sandbar during a beach party on Torch Lake.

In an effort to reassure travelers and businesses, the popular Pure Michigan tourism marketing campaign is promoting its Pure Michigan Pledge encouraging safe travel practices.  By promoting a united approach to travel safety, the campaign hopes to help the recovering tourism industry and alleviate consumers’ fears about exposure to the coronavirus.