About WMTA

Our Mission: 

West Michigan Tourist Association’s mission is to market the whole of West Michigan as a premiere destination. We strive to create an international, world-class regional destination fit for any traveler. West Michigan’s four-season product is unique, built as it is on this peninsula of historical and natural diversity. By packaging this diversity as a one-of-a-kind cultural and recreational experience, we grow West Michigan’s tourism product and help you grow your West Michigan business, become a partner, and join our mission.

Who We Are: 

The West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) is a nonprofit, privately funded partnership that stands out as the sole tourism marketing association in West Michigan supported voluntarily by local entrepreneurs. Unique within the state's tourism sector, WMTA is the only remaining entity operating under the principles of the Free Enterprise System, a foundational element of our nation's economy. Every partner, regardless of the size of their business, has an equal voice in shaping WMTA's marketing strategies aimed at attracting travelers. WMTA is YOUR association, dedicated to promoting your business and community. Discover the full range of benefits we offer today.

Becoming a Partner: 

Be a partner. Join us. Leverage our expertise and exclusive marketing tools by becoming a partner. For an annual fee starting at just $315, you'll receive numerous benefits, including a featured listing on our website which is viewed over a million times yearly. Get noticed by those eager to explore West Michigan! 

Our History: 

Since 1917, the West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) has been dedicated to showcasing the best of West Michigan to travelers from around the globe. As we celebrated 100 years in 2017, this commitment continues with fresh and innovative approaches. WMTA partners with over 700 attractions, lodging facilities, events, and activities spanning the west side of Michigan, from the Indiana border to the Upper Peninsula. Over the past century, Michigan's tourism industry has grown to become the state's second-largest sector, following manufacturing. This growth underscores WMTA's vital role in promoting the region's tourist destinations. 

WMTA has successfully marketed West Michigan and its member destinations to millions of leisure and business travelers for over a century. Our promotional efforts cover a vast area, from Northwest Indiana to the Straits of Mackinac, encompassing the entire western half of the Lower Peninsula and extending throughout the Upper Peninsula. 

Learn About West Michigan:

West Michigan is home to sand dunes that capture the spirit of the desert, complemented by hundreds of square miles of freshwater waiting for adventure. Our vast forests are a wilderness haven, offering unparalleled fishing and hunting and thousands of miles of hiking, biking, equestrian, snowshoeing, Nordic, and snowmobile trails. 

With Lake Michigan lapping at our western shore and merging into Lake Huron at the northernmost tip of our peninsula, we boast a paradise of sugar-sand beaches stretching over 400 ever-changing miles. Our inland lakes serve as idyllic retreats for families, and our clean, safe communities are vibrant cultural hubs, home to performing arts, historical museums, and unique shopping experiences. 

Our golf courses leave visitors in awe, while our historic lighthouses inspire. Fresh-caught whitefish from our waters tantalizes taste buds, our wineries surprise with their offerings, and our casinos thrill with excitement. Unique corporate conferences and outing opportunities elevate meeting planners to heroes within their companies. We invite you to discover the rich heritage and boundless adventures that define our region.