STRATEGIES for 2021
- Through media relations initiatives and working with journalist, focus on re-engaging visitors to come back to Detroit and visit both suburban and downtown hotels and attractions. Emphasize new safety protocols in place and the regions ability to offer both in person, hybrid, and virtual experiences
- Focus on attracting visitors from 1-5-hour drive from metro Detroit
TRADE
- Support sales effort to attract meetings back to Detroit. Promote Detroit’s capability to host both virtual and in person meetings. Develop and promote safety initiatives from partners
- Host individual trade publications on an ongoing basis
- Leverage relationships with Crain’s Homecoming event to encourage ex-pats and local organizations to hold their meeting in Detroit
- Leverage advertising partnerships for value added editorial in trade publications.
- Attend hotel and attraction opening and renovations to promote new product to trade press
LEISURE
- Continue media hosting for individuals in both downtown and suburban properties. Focus will be on back-to-business: the safe return to travel and meetings. Hosting’s will mainly be 2nd through 4th quarter
- Attend and exhibit at three key travel media trade shows to reach leisure travel editors including Society of American Travel Writers, Midwest Travel Journalists Association and IPW. Attend other virtual media trade shows when possible
- Host relevant journalists throughout year and broaden base to include bloggers and other digital influencers
- Hold Hometown Tourist Day at beginning of summer to encourage locals and regional visitors to visit Metro Detroit attractions to help increase gate receipts
- Partner with Travel Michigan on regional media events, budget permitting
- Promote itineraries and road trips to visitors within 1-5 hour drive radius