Celebrate 100 years of tourism in West Michigan with the West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA), as WMTA returns to the era of the roaring ’20s at their 100th Anniversary Gala on Jan. 7th, 2017 at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids.
WMTA has played an essential and pioneering role in the promotion of tourism in Michigan over the years, paving the way for statewide campaigns such as “Pure Michigan,” as well as helping spread the word for local tourism chambers and visitors bureaus. WMTA today serves over 800 tourism-related businesses throughout West Michigan by promoting their offerings and helping attract travelers to spend their vacations in West Michigan.
It all began on May 7, 1917, when a meeting was called in the Pantlind Ballroom at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel with 75 delegates from every county in West Michigan attending to create the Michigan Tourist and Resort Association (MTRA). Supported by the memberships of resorts, hotels, retailers, chambers, and more, the MTRA was the first grass-roots tourist organization in the country. In 1934, MTRA rebranded itself as the West Michigan Tourist and Resort Association (WMTRA), and finally became the West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) in 1961.
Now, 100 years and countless travelers later, WMTA is returning to the historic Pantlind Ballroom at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. Join WMTA as they celebrate the past, commemorate those who paved the way for Michigan’s current thriving tourism economy, and look forward to many more years of promoting the best of West Michigan.
Period dress is welcomed and encouraged. WMTA is embracing the era of the roaring ‘20s, which was working its way into full swing when the organization was formed in 1917.
The Gala will begin with a cocktail reception at 6:30 pm, followed by dinner, a presentation on the history of WMTA and local tourism, live music and dancing.
Tickets are limited and are currently available to the public. They can be purchased for $100 each from WMTA.org/100thGala.
A special $100 room rate is available at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel for any attendees wishing to stay the night. Details may be found at the above URL.
