Visitor Survey to Shape Comprehensive Tourism & Attraction Plan

• Residents and visitors may participate in the survey through April 18. It is available online at this link and takes about 15 minutes to complete: Oakland County’s Strategic Plan page.
• The survey will gauge the perceptions about Oakland County’s downtowns and attractions.
• The Tourism & Attraction Strategic Plan will measure the value and economic impact of tourism in Oakland County and develop strategies to attract new visitors, businesses and employees while enhancing visitor experiences.

Pontiac, Mich. – Oakland County is launching a new initiative to develop a Tourism & Attraction Strategic Plan aimed at strengthening the county’s tourism sector and enhancing business attraction and retention. As part of this effort, the county is inviting residents and visitors to participate in a survey through April 18.

“This strategic plan will help us build on our county’s strengths and ensure Oakland County remains an inviting destination for visitors,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “It also gives us a chance to support and promote our local businesses, cultural institutions and outdoor recreation.

Oakland County encourages community members and visitors to participate in the visitor survey which takes about 15 minutes to complete. It will gather insights on:

• Tourism assets and experiences in the county
• Perceptions of Oakland County as a destination
• Preferred transportation methods for visiting attractions
• Key factors influencing travel decisions
• Tourism spending
• Visitor demographics

The survey will gauge the economic impact and the perceptions of residents and visitors who frequent downtowns and attractions in the county. It is available online at this link: Oakland County’s Strategic Plan page.

In 2023, Oakland County contributed 28 percent of total visitor spending to Metro Detroit’s tourism economy, accounting for 11 percent of Michigan’s statewide tourism spending. The county has a diverse array of attractions including outdoor recreation, historic sites, culinary and cultural experiences, special events and vibrant downtowns, most supported by Main Street Oakland County.

The Tourism Attraction Strategic Plan will help establish sustainable models for tourism development and management, develop strategies to attract new visitors, businesses and employees while enhancing visitor experiences, and explore options for the county’s tourism brand, messaging and marketing approach.

The Oakland County Economic Development Department is leading the effort, partnering with Think Place Agency, BLKDOG, and Tourism Economics to guide the planning process. A Steering Committee of business leaders, local government representatives and venue operators will provide strategic input, while additional stakeholders will be engaged through interviews, focus groups, public meetings and surveys.

“As one of Michigan’s largest paid family attractions, the Detroit Zoo is pleased to work with the county on its tourism strategic plan,” said Randi Hamilton, chief experience officer, Detroit Zoological Society. “The Zoo is deeply committed to the community, and we are thrilled to collaborate with neighboring downtowns and other attractions to create unforgettable experiences — both for local guests and visitors far and wide.

Follow the initiative’s progress and join the conversation on social media using #VisitOaklandPlan.