Michigan to spend $2 million to promote autumn attractions

Michigan will spend nearly $2 million through Oct. 1 to promote fall colors and other fall attractions, according to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

Fall color season is just around the corner and the Pure Michigan advertising campaign has been launched with television and radio ads that will air regionally and statewide.

“We are wrapping up another strong summer tourism season and we want to carry that momentum into the fall,” said George Zimmermann, vice-president of Travel Michigan, part of the MEDC.

Featured ads during the fall campaign include Nature of Trees, Deep Breath, Harvest Time and Tee Times on television and Nature’s Greatest Show, Catch Up, Off the Vine and Untapped on radio.

Regional markets targeted in the fall campaign include Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, South Bend, Milwaukee, Green Bay, St. Louis, Mo., and southern Ontario.

In-state markets include Detroit, Battle Creek, Bay City, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Saginaw and Traverse City.

Pure Michigan billboards will also be set up in many of the markets, as well as wrapped on Chicago tour buses.

New this year, the Pure Michigan official fall travel guide is available to order online at michigan.org to help visitors and residents alike plan fall travel activities. The guide is free and also includes a digital version for tablets, smart phones and desktop computers.  People can also sign up for weekly fall color updates to find out where fall colors are peaking and information on other events and destinations.

The MEDC said the total fall advertising budget of $1,847,500 includes $521,934 in funding committed by private sector partners through the Travel Michigan Ad Partnership Program.

In 2013 there has been more than $5.7 million in partner funding committed to the Pure Michigan advertising campaign.