Friday, May 24, 2024 The Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) has approved $366,637 in federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) funds from the Department of Commerce for 11 local destination marketing organizations (DMOs). These funds will be used to conduct community accessibility audits and enhance destination websites to better serve the visually impaired. Approved by the MSF board in August 2023, the Accessible Traveler Grant Application initiative is designed to assist local DMOs in providing a more accessible experience for all visitors.
This effort aims to boost tourism and stimulate economic growth in Michigan. “Travel Michigan and the MEDC are committed to ensuring that all are welcome in Pure Michigan,” said Kelly Wolgamott, Interim Vice President of Travel Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “We are proud to continue our support of statewide travel destinations as they proactively work to create a more accessible and inclusive environment in their communities by becoming more welcoming to travelers of all abilities.
” Funding for the initiative comes from a $10,307,393 EDA State Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation grant awarded to Michigan in 2021. This grant supports statewide travel and tourism marketing and advertising efforts to help the travel industry recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Applicants could request up to $100,000 per project, requiring a 50 percent financial match based on the project’s t.
