Michigan’s Thumbcoast Gets a Tourism Makeover—With Help from Paradise

Blue Water tourism strategy

Michigan’s Thumbcoast collaborates with Paradise Advertising & Marketing for a five-year strategic tourism plan to boost advocacy, development, and marketing.

Blue Water Region Partners with Renowned Agency for Five-Year Tourism Strategy

The Blue Water Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), representing Michigan’s Thumbcoast, has announced a partnership with Paradise Advertising & Marketing Inc. to create a comprehensive five-year tourism strategic plan. The plan, set for release in January 2025, aims to enhance the CVB’s pillars of advocacy, development, and sales and marketing through targeted strategies designed to invigorate the region’s tourism appeal.

Paradise, a full-service marketing agency with a proven track record in destination branding and tourism growth, will work closely with the Blue Water Area CVB team and local stakeholders to shape the roadmap. This collaboration marks Paradise’s second engagement in Michigan, adding to its work with the Great Lakes Bay Regional CVB.

Elevating the Thumbcoast’s Tourism Appeal

The Blue Water region, encompassing nine cities along 140 miles of Lake Huron and St. Clair River shoreline, is renowned for its blend of natural beauty, small-town charm, and cultural richness. Communities such as Port Huron, Lexington, and Marine City offer diverse attractions, from panoramic waterfront views and freighter-watching spots to expansive recreational opportunities like boating, fishing, and golfing. The goal of the strategic plan is to amplify these offerings, making the region a top tourism destination and benefiting local economies.

Michael Hensley, Executive Director of the Blue Water Area CVB, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to be working with Paradise, tapping into their expertise and exclusive insights to strategize what’s next for our tourism efforts. Together, we will architect a tourism roadmap to benefit our stakeholders and community for generations to come.”

Strategic Planning Rooted in Michigan Expertise

 Thumbcoast Michigan tourism

For Rudy Webb, President of Paradise and a Michigan native, the project offers a chance to give back to a region he has long cherished. “I vacationed in the Blue Water area throughout my childhood and now experience it all over again with my children on family vacations,” said Webb. “I can’t wait to lead the Paradise team to help Michigan’s Thumbcoast set a strategic path forward through tourism.”

Paradise’s work will involve extensive research, community engagement, and innovative marketing approaches tailored to the Thumbcoast’s unique assets. From boosting visibility to crafting memorable experiences for visitors, the aim is to solidify the Blue Water Area’s standing as a premier destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Promoting Regional Growth Through Tourism

The Blue Water Area CVB’s initiative reflects a broader effort to drive tourism-led economic growth across Michigan. By leveraging professional expertise, the region hopes to unlock new opportunities and ensure its waterfront towns and attractions remain vibrant for future generations.

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Michael Hardy

Michael is the owner of Thumbwind Publications LLC. It started in 2009 as a fun-loving site covering Michigan's Upper Thumb. Since then, he has expanded sites and range of content and established a loyal base of 60,000 visitors per month.

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