LANSING, Mich., Dec. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The passing of a permanent funding source to support the award-winning Pure Michigan tourism campaign by the Michigan House of Representatives last week meant support of a prosperous New Year for the tourism industry and Michigan's economy.

The tourism industry provides more than 193,000 jobs for Michigan residents and every dollar invested in out-of-state advertising generates more than $40 for Michigan businesses, including nearly $3 in revenue. However, additional details regarding the House's passing of Bills 5108, 5088 and 5089 and funding sources have been inaccurately reported.

The Michigan Promotion Fund that will provide a permanent funding for the Pure Michigan advertising campaign, will rely on a portion of the existing Michigan's sales and use tax collections on certain tourism-related businesses, but it does not include a $2.50 per day fee on car rentals. The fee was not included on the aforementioned version of the bill that was adopted by the House on December 17, 2009. The bills now go on to the Senate.

The Pure Michigan campaign launched in 2006 throughout the Midwest, with the State's first national campaign launching in March of 2009, the permanent funding source means the campaign's momentum will continue in 2010 and beyond. Michigan native and television personality Tim Allen voices the national television commercials. The Birmingham, Michigan office of McCann Erickson developed the strategy and creative for the Pure Michigan campaign. To view the campaign go to michigan.org and click on "View our Ads" at the top of the page.

Travel Michigan, a division of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, is the State of Michigan's official agency for the promotion of tourism. Travel Michigan markets the state's tourism industry and provides valuable visitor information services. For Michigan travel news and updates, go to michigan.org.

    Contact:    Kirsten Borgstrom, 517-335-1871
                Joanna Wilbee Amis, 906-399-8757

SOURCE Travel Michigan

RELATED LINKS
http://www.michigan.org