Check In To Michigan Apples This Fall

As Featured in the August 2007 Travel Industry Newsletter

For the third year in a row, the Michigan Apple Committee (MAC) is inviting guests at area hotels and lodging properties to "Check In To Michigan Apples" during the fall harvest season.

In an effort to increase visits to local farm markets/u-picks and boost awareness of Michigan's largest agricultural commodity, MAC will provide up to 500 lodging properties with a Michigan apple display and a supply of the current Michigan Farm Market & U-Pick directory maps. Deliveries this year will be made in mid-late September, to take advantage of the prime harvest season.

During the first year of the promotion, approximately 175 lodging properties in Michigan participated; more than 250 signed up in 2006. The goal for this year is an aggressive 350 locations. Participants have stretched throughout both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, from New Buffalo to Detroit to Mackinaw City, Marquette and Sault Ste. Marie.

The "Check In To Michigan Apples" campaign benefits the Michigan apple growers and MAC, as well as the lodging properties and community tourism organizations, such as chambers and visitor bureaus, by helping to jump start the brief autumn travel season.

Properties will be asked to display the Michigan apple items through the end of October. There is no cost to the property for the initial delivery; however properties are encouraged to refill the baskets with Michigan apples throughout the year at their own expense through their local food service provider.

MAC has the written support of the West Michigan Tourist Association, Circle Michigan, Michigan Hotel, Motel & Resort Association, Michigan Department of Agriculture, Michigan Festivals & Events Association and Travel Michigan.

The deadline to sign up for this year's event is August 14.

For more information, contact Dianna Stampfler at (269) 330-4228.