Detroit has a vacation destination

[Richard]

Dumb idea, and I really wish people would stop trying to promote Detroit as a tourist destination and put more effort into making Detroit 1) a better convention destination and 2) a city people want to live in.

Some cities are natural destination resorts. Seattle, Chicago, New Orleans, Denver and New York City come immediately to mind. As a general rule [[and there ARE exceptions) people don't think of cities like Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Kansas City as vacation destinations even though all 3 have a lot to offer. Detroit is in that boat, and no matter how hard one tries, it will probably always be in that second group. I can't see a way of changing that, unless you're willing to wait 30 years. I keep seeing these idea like vineyards on Belle Isle and a "big statue" being promoted as "tourist" draw. I can't see it working on a grand scale at all.

Work on the important things. Detroit, like Cleveland, has a reputation problem that no amount of promotion is going to change. Putting time, money and effort into making Detroit the best city possible is more important than trying to come up with an idea that would draw a family from Lima to come up for a week.

It would be a part of a diversified economy but tourism comes and goes in spurts through out the course of a year ,personally given the cities past history and with not just one contribution it could become quite a lucrative draw.Provided it was marketed and organized.

Hotel bed tax funds the tourist and convention center marketing.

I agree with you on the convention destination , but convention centers usually are not a stand alone concept,think Orlando with Disney and quick jaunts to the beaches as the draw,New Orleans with Bourbon Street and Casinos,Tampa and the strip clubs which is not so good and probably the reason its convention center is a bit lackluster.

Then you have Detroit Automotive history,Motown,amazing architecture,river cruise on a bobo and so much more that could be a draw,when people go to conventions the actual convention is for the most part moot ,they go because they are getting a break and a chance to have a mini vacation on the sly.It is up to the host city to entertain and show them how to part with their monies in the most delightful ways and go home with a experience that will be remembered for a long time. So when vacation time does come around they were so impressed that they now bring their family to enjoy.