The Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council is reaching out to all businesses and organizations that welcome tourists in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren Counties. Now they can join the Tourist Council at no cost and expand their marketing reach to millions of prospective visitors.
“If you are a restaurant, store, attraction or any business that tourists would like to visit, please join us now,” said Tourist Council Executive Director Marcy Simpson. “The Tourist Council has eliminated its membership dues. We want to add as many choices to our base as we can before the busy summer season so visitors can have the best possible experiences while they are here.”
Tourism is one of the area’s biggest economic drivers, and opening up its membership will help the Tourist Council make an even bigger impact by giving visitors a better idea of what the area offers. Funding for its marketing budget comes from room assessments at hotels in Benton Harbor, St. Joseph and Stevensville. Simpson says the more people the Tourist Council can attract to stay in local hotels, the more visitors will support local businesses.
“The more reasons we can give tourists to do extended stays and return often, the better it is for all of us,” said Simpson.
Joining the Tourist Council gives members greater advertising leverage than they may be able to afford individually. A listing on the Tourist Council’s website, swmichigan.org, reaches hundreds of thousands of people throughout the year. As one of the most popular tourist sites in the region, it is where people look first for events and places to visit. Promotion to visit the area is further supported by social media, online, print and outdoor advertising, blogs, e-newsletters and targeted digital television spots. The Tourist Council also runs niche campaigns for the region’s arts, craft beverages and meeting venues.
“For local businesses, the promotional value of a membership is unsurpassed,” said Simpson.
Any business interested in joining the Tourist Council can visit swmichigan.org/membership for more information or to download the membership application. Businesses can also contact Brandi Tucker at 269-925-6301.
Photo: SWMTC ad on Chicago City Bus Supplied by Tourist Council.
