Pure Michigan: A Home Away from Home for Brits with Kelly Wolgamott

Episode Summary:
In this vibrant episode of The Cashflow Show, host Clayton M. Coke is joined by Kelly Wolgamott, Vice President of Pure Michigan, to explore why Michigan is a top destination for UK travellers. From Detroit’s Motown legacy and professional sports to natural wonders like the Great Lakes and Mackinac Island, Kelly highlights Michigan’s cultural, culinary, and tourism offerings. She discusses how businesses are adapting to sports tourism trends and the state’s economic impact, inviting Brits to experience Michigan’s unique charm.

Key Discussion Points: 

• Michigan’s Cultural Icons: Detroit, birthplace of Motown, hosts legends like Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross, with the Motown Museum as a key attraction. 
• Sports Tourism Boom: 48% of Brits travel for live sports, and Detroit’s walkable downtown offers four major league teams (NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB). 
• Natural Beauty: Michigan boasts 5,200 km of Great Lakes coastline, Mackinac Island’s car-free charm, and Northern Lights viewing opportunities. 
• Culinary and Agricultural Strength: As the second most agriculturally diverse state, Michigan’s farm-to-table scene and Traverse City’s wine industry attract top chefs. 
• Hospitality Readiness: Michigan’s tourism industry, generating $53.2B in 2023, is primed for international visitors with boutique and chain hotels. 
• Accessibility: Direct flights from London and a new Dublin-Detroit route (starting May 8, 2025) make Michigan easy to reach. 
• Emerging Soccer Scene: Detroit Football Club and Grand Rapids’ new professional soccer team cater to UK soccer fans.

Key Takeaways:

• Michigan’s blend of cultural heritage, sports, and natural beauty makes it a compelling destination for UK travelers. 
• The state’s hospitality industry is well-equipped to welcome sports tourists, boosting local economies with $1.4B in tax revenue from Detroit alone. 
• Michigan’s culinary diversity and accessibility enhance its appeal as a unique, non-cookie-cutter travel experience. 
• Businesses are capitalizing on tourism trends, offering tailored experiences for international visitors.

Notable Quotes: 

• “Detroit is the largest city in Michigan… well known as the home of Motown.” — Kelly Wolgamott 
• “Tourism is an economic driver for Michigan… supporting more than 120,000 jobs in Detroit alone.” — Kelly Wolgamott 
• “Michigan is a step back in time with incredible resort and boutique hotel opportunities.” — Kelly Wolgamott

Actionable Insights for Businesses: 

• Tap into Sports Tourism: Offer packages or promotions tied to Detroit’s professional sports events or college games to attract UK visitors. 
• Highlight Unique Experiences: Market boutique hotels, local cuisine, or cultural attractions like the Motown Museum to stand out from generic offerings. 
• Leverage Digital Platforms: Use michigan.org and social media to promote tailored itineraries for international travelers, emphasizing accessibility. 
• Collaborate Locally: Partner with tourism boards like Pure Michigan to align with events like the NFL Draft or techno festivals, boosting visibility.

Resources: 

• Explore trip ideas and itineraries at michigan.org. 
• Follow Pure Michigan on Facebook and Instagram for updates. 
• Learn about Detroit’s tourism impact at visitdetroit.com.

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