BEIJING, China – Marking the beginning of a new effort to draw Chinese visitors to Michigan, Governor Rick Snyder on Thursday at an event in Shanghai unveiled the effort to make Michigan a destination for a growing Chinese tourism market.
While just some 1.5 million Chinese visited the U.S. in 2012, that was an increase of 35 percent over 2011, officials said. In total, those coming to the U.S. spent about $8.8 billion.
Thousands of Chinese residents already come to Michigan for business purposes, to attend Michigan universities or to see family, and the state is hoping to encourage those visitors to see more of the state and make the Great Lakes State a vacation destination.
“It is exciting to take this next step to in our international marketing efforts and introduce Chinese travelers to the natural beauty and cultural destinations Michigan has to offer,” Snyder said.
Snyder made the comments during his trade mission to China. He will also visit Japan during his mission and the state will also unveil a tourism entry into Japan.
The additional marketing effort is part of a $4 million increase in funding for the Pure Michigan tourism program. Along with China and Japan, the campaign will expand its effort in Ontario, Germany and Great Britain.
George Zimmermann, vice president for Travel Michigan, travelling as part of the trade mission, said part of the strategy dealing with China is to encourage Chinese travel journalists to come to the state and to get information about Michigan into U.S. travel packages offered by Chinese tour companies.
Among the attractions the state will offer, besides its access to the Great Lakes, are the ample public golf courses, arts, sports and other cultural events in major cities; and resort areas such as Traverse City and Mackinac Island.
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