Chris Holman welcomes back Trevor Tkach, president CEO Traverse City Tourism, Traverse City, MI.
Watch Trevor and Chris discuss Traverse City tourism trends, 2025 results, 2026 plans, and the global spotlight on Sleeping Bear Dunes in the YouTube video shared below:
Chris looked to find out several things from Trevor:
Welcome back Trevor remind the Michigan business community about Traverse City Tourism and your mission?
How was 2025?
Any big plans for 2026, such as are the International Fireworks back this year?
Sleeping Bear Dunes being ranked one of the world’s top “one-of-a-kind beaches” by TripAdvisor is a big global recognition. What kind of impact can that kind of ranking have on tourism and local businesses in the Traverse City region?
TripAdvisor says fewer than 1% of the 8 million listings on its platform receive this recognition. How important are visitor reviews and online travel platforms today in shaping travel decisions and driving tourism growth?
With more international attention now on Sleeping Bear Dunes, what opportunities does this create for local hospitality, retail, and tourism-related businesses across northern Michigan?
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TripAdvisor Ranks Sleeping Bear as a Top Ten One-of-a-Kind Beach
Traverse City, Mich. — Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was named by TripAdvisor as one of the top beaches in the world. The online travel guidance platform unveiled a number of Travelers’ Choice Awards that included its “One-of-a-Kind Beaches.” The Sleeping Bear beaches came in at number four in the world. With 80 million reviews and contributions, TripAdvisor is one of the largest travel resource in the world. “Exploring the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore truly is a magical experience,” said Trevor Tkach (tah-KACH), President of Traverse City Tourism. “The pure, fresh-water beaches are unlike any other shoreline in the world.” TripAdvisor uses the awards to celebrate the highest level of excellence in travel. On their website, TripAdvisor says the recognition is “…awarded to those who receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. Out of the 8 million listings, fewer than 1% achieve this milestone.” The northern Michigan beach shares the spotlight with beaches from Hawaii, the Bahamas, Australia, Italy, Brazil, and 13 other locations. Other beach categories on the list included the Top 10 Beaches in the World and the Top 10 Beaches in the US. Sleeping Bear Dunes was the only Michigan location recognized on the listings. “There are sand dunes and then there are the Sleeping Bear Dunes which rise 450 feet from Lake Michigan at a breathtakingly steep angle. Brave the walk down to the base to picnic and lounge along the beach — just remember you’ve gotta climb back up.” This is how TripAdvisor praised the beach. “This ranking validates what we locals already know — Sleeping Bear Dunes is an iconic example of Pure Michigan,” said Laura Ann Johnson, Executive Director, Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes. “This recognition reminds everyone of the beauty, nature, and history that can be found right here in Michigan. This is why the work the National Park Service and the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes does to protect our wonderful landscape is so important.” More information on Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is available at www.TraverseCity.com.
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About Traverse City Tourism Traverse City Tourism is an independent, not-for-profit destination organization that promotes the greater Traverse City area as a leisure and business destination with an excellent quality-of-life. Through the impact of travel, Traverse City Tourism helps strengthen the local economy and supports a thriving entrepreneurial community. Details of the region’s lodging, attractions, and area events are available at www.TraverseCity.com
International Fireworks Championship Ticket Sales Start Next Week
Traverse City, Mich. — Tickets for the fourth annual International Fireworks Championship in Traverse City will go on sale starting next week. Early ticket access will be available to previous years ticket buyers on Monday, March 16, followed by general ticket sales at 10 am on Tuesday, March 24. While show details have yet to be announced, the format will remain consistent with the last few years, featuring six teams from around the world who have previously won fireworks competitions. “Audiences get to see the work of some of the world’s best pyrotechnicians here in Northern Michigan,” said Traverse City Tourism President Trevor Tkach (tah-KACH). “The artistry and quality of the competitors, who bring their own cultural flair and expertise to the skies, creates a spectacular show.” The two-day event will be held on Friday, September 11, and Saturday, September 12, at Turtle Creek Stadium. Each evening will feature three teams that will be given up to 15-minutes to dazzle the crowd
