Pure Michigan Aims to Inspire Travel to the State on National Plan for Vacation Day

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Contact:

Kathleen Achtenberg

[email protected] 

 

  • According to U.S. Travel Association, more than half of American workers failed to use all of their time off in 2018
  • In 2018, visitors to Michigan spent $25.7 billion, generating $2.8 billion in state and local taxes
  • Find a package or deal to sweeten your Michigan vacation at michigan.org/deals 



LANSING, Mich. (Jan. 27, 2020) – Tuesday, Jan. 28, is National Plan for Vacation Day, and to introduce all that is Pure Michigan to first-time visitors and help Michiganders looking to experience new views, tastes, sounds and adventures their home state has to offer, Travel Michigan is offering its trip planning expertise and has assembled top deals and packages on attractions, resorts, hotels and dining for any vacation planners looking to book their first or next visit to the Great Lakes State. 



According to the U.S. Travel Association, more than half (55 percent) of American workers failed to use all of their time off in 2018, which equates to 768 million unused vacation days, and 236 million days were forfeited completely—equaling $65.5 billion in lost benefits and an individual average of $571 in donated work time. 



Taking a vacation can improve mental and physical health, professional performance, has an economic impact and makes lasting memories. Travel Michigan is hoping to inspire travelers to plan ahead for this spring and summer to experience all that the state has to offer, whether it’s an outdoor adventure in the Upper Peninsula or weekend getaway in experiencing the culinary and cultural offerings of the state’s urban destinations, while helping Michiganders and people across the nation relax and take their hard-earned time off. 



“We love to show off our beautiful state and give reason for people to plan their vacations early in the year because we know there is no better place to escape and recharge than here in Pure Michigan,” said Dave Lorenz, vice president of Travel Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “It’s never too early to get inspired by the beautiful landscapes, endless trails, quaint towns, hidden gems and vibrant cities available to repeat visitors and all new comers to visit and explore throughout the state.”



 According to Tourism Economics, in the state of Michigan, visitors spent $25.7 billion in 2018, with 46 percent of their money going towards lodging and food and beverages. In 2018, tourism in Michigan generated $2.8 billion in state and local taxes, with overall tourism spending supporting 6 percent (346,308) of all jobs across the state. 



Outside of a direct impact on Michigan, using vacation days to travel could improve the U.S. economy, create jobs and have a positive impact on American’s health and overall well-being. In fact, if Americans used all of their vacation time to travel, the U.S. economy could see a boost of $151.5 billion in travel spending and an additional 2 million U.S. jobs, as reported by the U.S. Travel Association.   



In its fifth year, National Plan for Vacation Day, an initiative created by the U.S. Travel association to encourage people to begin planning their vacations for the year, takes place during the last Tuesday in January. It’s intended to encourage Americans to plan their vacation days for the rest of the year, at the start of the year.



 For more inspiration on where to book your next Pure Michigan adventure this National Plan for Vacation Day, watch “Under the Radar Michigan,” an Emmy Award-winning PBS television program that features the people, places and things that make Michigan a great place to be. New episodes air Thursdays, at 8:30 p.m., all across Michigan, in Northern Ohio and Eastern Wisconsin and 2.5 million homes in Canada. 



To stay up-to-date on the latest Travel Michigan news, upcoming events and activities across the state, while looking for additional inspiration for your next trip, please sign up for Pure Michigan’s e-newsletter, order a free travel guide, like, follow and subscribe to Pure Michigan’s social media accounts, including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube, and visit www.michigan.org.



About Michigan Economic Development Corporation

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.