Frankenmuth

7 In May, Frankenmuth had an opportunity to host the Pure Michigan National Travel & Tourism Week kickoff event. This industry meeting brought together tourism professionals f rom across the state, representing various destinations and sectors of the travel industry. The theme of the week this year was #TheFutureofTravel and a small press conference was held to publicly share good news about the future of travel & tourism. It's vital to the economic recovery of cities, just like Frankenmuth, all over the Country. We clearly saw improved economic vitality in our community in 2021 as visitors returned to Frankenmuth in full force. Much of our local economy is powered by the tourism industry so while it can be f rustrating for locals who want to zoom through town on busy weekends, there are great benefits that come f rom welcoming millions of visitors a year. The economic activity that is spurred by those visits doesn't just benefit the obvious tourism businesses, but it makes it feasible for a town of 5,000 people to have quality of life amenities that wouldn't otherwise be viable. In a small town like Frankenmuth, it's part of the culture to be f riendly and welcoming. So it was no surprise when a state-wide radio host recently shared his experiences of encountering locals at a pub on a number of past visits. He continued on how special it is when they share their perspective with guests and remain positive, fully embracing their pride and sharing their favorite things about the community. The Kern Pavilion was the site of that special National Travel & Tourism Week event for a very purposeful reason. In one location, we were able to highlight many incredible tourism-related activities that are not only unique to Frankenmuth, but often combine differently in cities across our great state to make each place special to visit. Whether it's camping or hitting the trails, Festivals with hot air balloons or classic cars, water activities like boating or fishing, amateur sports tournaments or a day on the golf course, unique dining and shopping or historic and cultural experiences, tourism is everywhere. Tourism in each community is unique. But it's rarely just one thing…it's the special combination of things. Here in Frankenmuth, best known for Chicken & Christmas, our thriving tourism industry is really so much more. While the meetings & convention or exhibitions have been slowest part of the industry to return in our post pandemic recovery, we know the Future of Travel in those areas will evolve and be better than ever as groups adapt. Because if we learned anything f rom the quick changes that were necessary to navigate challenging times, it was that we need each other. We need to come together. Sometimes virtually, but often in person. To truly experience places and connect with others. Those magical experiences that fill you up…it's personal, as unique and different as each of us. It's why the new Pure Michigan message encourages us all to Pursue our own Pure. So whether you find that energy on the golf course or at a waterpark, all that matters is what it does for you. Maybe it's releasing that energy as you dance the night away at a concert or cheer on your favorite sports team. Or maybe you recharge by reconnecting with your kids when you go camping & roast marshmallows around the campfire or finding the peace and beauty on a nature walk. It's those priceless moments making memories with the ones you love or making time to find your own peace of mind. Those moments are most often captured through Travel & Tourism! The future of travel in Frankenmuth is diverse and accessible and a very personal thing. It will continue to grow positive energy into our community with authentic opportunities for both residents and guests to pursue their own pure. The Importance of Travel

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