A group of 20 Canadian tourism professionals, destination developers, entrepreneurs, civic champions and industry leaders are headed to Traverse City June 16-19 to tour the community and study best industry practices.

During their visit, group members will meet with Traverse City, Old Mission Peninsula and Leelanau Peninsula business owners, destination managers, non-profit executives, National Parks staff, community activators, influencers and economic developers "to be inspired and gain insights on why this region is one of America’s top travel destinations," according to Tourism Northern Ontario. The expedition is part of the Tourism Excellence North program, a partnership of Tourism Northern Ontario and Explorers' Edge. 

“We’ve selected Traverse City and area to be highlighted as an exemplary tourism destination because the region understands that tourism is more than just attracting a visitor," says Tourism Northern Ontario Executive Director David MacLachlan. "It’s about the individual elements which cohesively work together to make the experience memorable, share worthy, and stand apart as a must-visit destination."

The group will visit some northern Michigan regional attractions in addition to the Traverse City area. Destination's on the group's itinerary include: Traverse City Tourism, Paddle for Pints, Brengman Brothers Winery & Crain Hill Vineyard, Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Leland Fishtown Preservation Society, Little Fleet, Hotel Indigo, City Opera House, BLK MRKT, Traverse City Downtown Development Authority, Elk Rapids, Petoskey, Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island.