KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Discover Kalamazoo has received $500,000 from the County’s American Rescue Plan fund to try to restore tourism to the area, which was hit hard by the pandemic.
Director Jane Ghosh says they are working with Travel Michigan and a website called “Able-eye” to give potential visitors an interactive sneak preview of stops they might want to make in the community.
“360 degree virtual tours of our hotels and attractions in the area, so that people with disabilities can look at the virtual tours before making their decision about where they’re gonna come,” noted Ghosh who says the website should make planning easier and trips to Kalamazoo more enjoyable.
“So we think it’s a great partnership. It’s costing us only half as much, because Travel Michigan is paying the other half, and we’re able to do that thanks to the American Rescue Plan Funds.”
Ghosh says the bulk of the ARPA funding will help fund a joint effort between Discover Kalamazoo, the city and the county to better position and promote the region for multi-cultural audiences.