Governor Granholm signed legislation this week that will boost the advertising budget for the Pure Michigan tourism campaign.
The legislation moves $10 million from the 21st Century Jobs Fund to the Pure Michigan fund.
This funding is in addition to the $5.4 million dollars Pure Michigan received for 2011.
George Zimmerman is the Vice President of Travel Michigan. He said the funding was necessary for the campaign.
"Well it was really essential. When the legislature passed this a couple weeks ago, we told them if we're going to be able to reach out of state markets like Chicago and Indianapolis and to get started on our spring advertising for spring summer we need this funding. Before this $10 million we had dropped to $5.4 million for the budget, and that compares to $28.4 million just two years ago" said Zimmerman.
Zimmerman said although the funding is only for the winter, spring, and summer campaigns; he is confident the program will get more money in the future.
"Well we're very encouraged that Governor elect Snyder has said that he supports Pure Michigan. We'll be working with the new legislature and the new administration to get the funding so we can have a more comprehensive funding program, and the program makes money for the state so we think it would be a no brainer. But we have to meet with the new governor and his legislature" said Zimmerman.
Visitors that come to Michigan spend a little over $15 million annually traveling. This supports over $800 million in state taxes and supports over 140,000 Michigan jobs.