Distinctively Detroit Tours, a new tour company focused on the hidden gems and rich history of Detroit, will launch on March 13, otherwise known as 313 Day.
With decades of experience in the tour and travel industry, Kris Hoff from Happy Times Tours & Experiences and Tami Manton from Group Tix & Tours have partnered to create a company for tour and travel clients as well as local Detroiters that want to explore their hometown.
“While looking for unique, specialized tour options and attractions, I was not able to find what I needed or wanted for my tours,” Hoff says. “I pride myself on offering distinctive, unique experiences, and since they weren’t readily available, I began to knock on some doors.”
Distinctively Detroit Tours seeks to share the energy and vibrancy that Detroit has to offer to both the tourism and local markets. The idea began to ruminate while Hoff was looking for an experience for a client who was interested in Detroit.
Hoff has created unique tours in other cities, among them, Schlemiel, Schlimazel MKE, a Laverne & Shirley inspired tour; Lights, Camera, Action, tours based on filming locations; and brought to life a Poland National Holiday — Fat Thursday tour that will be coming to Detroit in 2024.
Hoff, determined to discover the uncommon with every tour she offers, contacted Southfield-native Manton, and together they began to research the history of Detroit and made several trips together to explore the area. They agreed Detroit was an untapped market for tourism. And now, they plan to put Detroit on the tourism industry map as a top destination.
“I am falling in love with Detroit in a whole new way.” says Manton, adding she never spent time as a kid in the actual city of Detroit. “Kris and I are having so much fun exploring Detroit and have already created many exciting itineraries and new partnerships in the city. We are energized by this city. We have the experience, passion, and determination to make others fall in love with ‘The 313,’ just like we have.”
Distinctively Detroit Tours has already created a variety of exclusive itineraries, including Shady 8 Detroit, an 8 Mile, Eminem, D12 themed tour; Motown Magic, a tour of sites related to Detroit’s Motown royalty; Detroit’s Studio City, which takes guests behind-the-scenes of the music industry; and even a prohibition themed Alcoholiday tour.
All tours are customizable to meet the individual group needs and starting in May, regularly scheduled departures will be available for individuals visiting Detroit or local Detroiters.
“Detroiters are proud of their history, their heritage, their music, and how far they have come to make positive change,” says Hoff. “Our goal is to encourage as many people as possible to discover this truly amazing, yet underrated City.”
To learn more about Distinctively Detroit Tours, click here or call 313-723-2273.
