And the hospitality industry is welcoming them back with open arms.

May 2-8th is National Travel and Tourism Week, and the theme is The Power of Travel. 

Visit Duluth has been ramping up for weeks for their first in-person event in awhile. Their annual meeting took place at the DECC, with over 100 people attending. 

"We are ecstatic people are joining us in person and virtually. To be able to pull together this hybrid event, for this signature industry, and how prepared we are to welcome people back to hold events and meetings like indoors, it's wonderful," shared Anna Tanski, President and CEO of Visit Duluth.

She said they were unveiling their new marketing campaign, designed to be inclusive and acknowledge people's need for space. It's called "Be Here."

One of the attractions represented was the Great Lakes Aquarium. Executive Director Jay Walker said they had an awesome April, and are excited about what that means for the summer season. 

Lauerman said that masks and having her vaccine has helped her start traveling again.

Visit Grand Rapids is celebrating by taking out ads that feature all of their 30 lodging properties in the greater Grand Rapids area.

To watch the original report and see related stories, follow this link to the WDIO-TV website.  https://www.wdio.com/news/tourism-travel-pandemic-visit-duluth-visit-grand-rapids/6096094/