About Us

Visit Keweenaw promotes Michigan’s Houghton and Keweenaw Counties as a destination for tourism. Tourism, and the broader visitor economy, generates social, cultural, and financial benefits for our community members and is a pillar of the region’s economy.

Formed in 1986 as the Keweenaw Tourism Council, and later as the Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau, Visit Keweenaw has served as the two-county region’s lead destination marketing organization (DMO) for more than 35 years.

Visit Keweenaw’s Goals

Learn more about Visit Keweenaw's goals and objectives by reviewing our 2024-2026 Strategic Plan. Visit Keweenaw's overarching goals are to: 

• Enhance the visit experience
• Collaboratively lead sustainability and stewardship efforts to ensure the Keweenaw Peninsula continues to be a place visitors crave
• Leverage the Keweenaw's collection of outdoor, historical, and cultural amenities to support the region's visitor economy
• Advocate for destination development
• Continue to build organizational capacity and excellence

How We Are Funded

Visit Keweenaw is a membership-based 501c6 nonprofit organization. Our work is funded through a 5% assessment on gross lodging sales from member lodging businesses (e.g. hotels, resorts, motels, etc.).  The assessment was established under Michigan Public Act 395 of 1980. Properties with more than 10 units used for the purpose of commercial short-term lodging (less than 30 days) are required to collect the assessment; however, businesses with less than 10 units may voluntarily join.  

Why Destination Marketing Matters

Of all the possible places to visit, travelers generally only seriously consider up to five destinations when choosing where to go on vacation. This means, if your destination isn’t “top of mind” it’s not in the running for that visitor. And while people love to travel, there are a lot of places for them to go. 

In this competitive landscape, destination marketing keeps the Keweenaw front and center in the minds of potential travelers. Using marketing and advertising tactics and working with members of the media, Visit Keweenaw attracts visitors to our area generating dollars for local businesses like restaurants, lodging, gift stores, entertainment and more. These businesses help maintain and improve the quality-of-life for our residents and community members.