Most industry associations are designed to allow their members to network with like organizations that have common concerns, interests and goals. The Tourism Industry Coalition of Michigan brings together a very diverse group of members whose commonality is their interest and relationship to Michigan's 3rd largest industry, tourism.
Membership categories include; destination marketing organizations, attractions, regional and state wide tourism organizations, state associations that represent boating, camping, recreational vehicles, lodging, wineries, snow-sports, festivals and events, and more. These member organizations represent a wide range of tourism-related jobs and the generation of revenues which dramatically impact our state and deserve the attention of our legislators. Our varied membership lends strength and credibility to lobbying efforts for tourism support in Lansing when we speak with one voice.
Additional membership benefits include:
- Networking opportunities with the tourism industry professionals and leaders that represent a diverse group of allied organizations.
- Attend quarterly meetings where the agendas are designed to report industry events and activities, on a local, regional, and state-wide basis.
- Share your organization’s issues, concerns and challenges and receive input, feedback, and supportive advice from allied organizations.
- Learn of legislative issues that impact the tourism industry and have opportunity to participate in a legislative conference in Lansing.
- Access professional research and tools of the trade utilized by tourism industry partners.
- Hear regular reports from Travel Michigan the state travel bureau and increase your awareness of their marketing efforts and learn how you can take part in.
- Find out about the latest tourism research efforts and during regular reports MSU representative.
TICOM : A History of Industry Advocacy
- In the mid-2000’s, TICOM advocated for the continued funding of the Michigan State University Tourism Resource Center when this program was in danger of elimination. TICOM, as an industry organization, led a grassroots effort through letters, phone calls and meetings with MSU administration.
- TICOM led the call for nominations for the Governor's Awards for Innovative Tourism Collaboration. Through the various TICOM members and their individual networks, the first year of these prestigious awards were presented at the Governor's Annual Tourism Conference in March, 2009. They have since been presented each year and are a highlight of the awards dinner.
- TICOM, working in cooperation with its members and sponsors, hosts an annual Legislative Lunch in February of each year. The event is typically well-attended by state legislators, state staff and U.S. Congressional representatives. For 2024, TICOM partnered with the MI Association of Convention & Visitor Bureaus (MACVB) for the event.
- TICOM has worked in cooperation with other organizations to provide strong support for the continued funding of the Pure Michigan campaign.
- Beginning in 2018, TICOM hosts an annual event to highlight tourism during National Travel & Tourism Week. The day provides the industry a chance to meet with the media and invited legislators to provide updated marketing research and statistical data about the industry. The inaugural event was held in Flint in 2018. The 2024 event will be held in Detroit on Belle Isle on May 20, 2024.
