The Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau today announced the city and region will host 12 major conventions and sporting events this year, including the AAU Junior Olympic Games, Nike Mid-East Qualifier, Youmacon, and SAE World Congress. The events will drive significant business in the region’s hotel market.
In turn, the Detroit Sports Commission, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bureau, will create Detroit Sports Organizing Corp., a new permanent local organization committee whose role will be to identify and bid for sporting events that make financial sense for the region. The Sports Commission will also be introducing a new advertising campaign and sales video to specifically attract the sports market to Detroit.
In collaboration with Travel Michigan and Brand USA, the Bureau will continue to expand its efforts in the international markets of the United Kingdom, Germany, China, and Canada.
On the marketing side, the Bureau will continue its “America’s Great Comeback City” advertising campaign to incorporate the growing number of economic development projects taking place. An updated website will be rolled out mid-year that will offer a new design and better functionality to the current visitdetroit.com.
Two important studies performed in 2016 will help the Bureau achieve their goals this year — Detroit’s Intellectual Capital report and the Tourism and Hospitality Workforce Analysis. The Intellectual Capital report highlights the back story of 10 industry segments in Detroit that are growing and contribute the most to the region’s economic well-being. The Tourism and Hospitality Workforce Analysis reviews the employees and the taxes that are generated from the industry.
Other upcoming events include the Detroit Boat Show, Autorama, Shell Eco-Marathon, and the Automotive Service Association.
“As our city moves forward, Detroit’s visitor numbers will increase immensely, so it is vital that our hospitality community continues to provide first-rate customer service to ensure our guests tell their friends and family about the good things happening here,” says Larry Alexander, president and CEO of the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau.
