Michigan Tourism Struggles After Wildfire Smoke | Detroit News

Michigan’s tourism industry took a brutal hit in July when Canadian wildfire smoke blanketed the state, costing an estimated $4 billion and crippling the travel and hospitality sectors. Facing a slashed $9 million budget for the Pure Michigan marketing program — down from $17 million last year — the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association is now pleading for an additional $3 million in emergency funding to launch a fall recovery campaign. Testifying before lawmakers, association director Jack Trebtoske emphasized that while they can’t control wildfires, they can invest strategically to bring visitors back — especially to summer hotspots like Mackinac Island. Some legislators questioned the move, suggesting funds might better go toward firefighting efforts, but Trebtoske clarified the money would fuel targeted marketing, not influencers. With approval needing a supplemental budget bill, the state now faces a tough choice: prioritize immediate economic relief or long-term resilience after this environmental shock. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/6c052deac3e2a32d