Michigan Sustainable Tourism Summit

May 20-23, 2026 | Houghton, MI

A regional tourism summit based in Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula focused on sustainable destination stewardship, community collaboration, and Michigan’s future..

About the Summit

The Michigan Sustainable Tourism Summit is a regional forum dedicated to thoughtful, responsible destination development. Hosted in Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula, a place shaped by natural beauty, industry, and resilience, the Summit brings together those shaping the future of tourism and community life.

Over four days, participants will explore practical strategies, shared challenges, and real-world examples of how economic vitality and environmental care can coexist. This is about progress that feels rooted, intentional, and true to place.

Key Summit Themes:

• Enhancing our industry’s commitment to responsible outdoor recreation
• Supporting the underpinning ecological and outdoor recreation infrastructure the visitor industry and our local communities rely upon
• Leveraging tourism as a force to support authentic cultural and heritage preservation
• Tools for community-centric tourism 

Who Should Attend

This Summit is designed for people working at the intersection of place, people, and purpose, including:

• Local government officials and planning commissioners
• Land use managers and conservation professionals
• Nonprofit organizations and community leaders
• Destination marketing organizations
• Tourism-facing businesses and experience providers

Whether you shape policy, steward land, or welcome visitors, this conversation includes you.

Explore the Speaker Lineup

Summit Panelists

• Tori Irving—Public Lands Specialist, Office of Public Lands, MI Department of Natural Resources
• Curt Pennala—Sheriff, Keweenaw County
• Wyndeth Davis—Superintendent (2016-2026), Keweenaw National Historical Park
• Adam Yeoman—Executive Director, Copper Harbor Trail Club

Why the Keweenaw

The Keweenaw is a place that understands balance. Between land and water. Past and future. Visitors and residents.

Holding the Summit here is intentional. This landscape offers more than a backdrop. It offers context, lessons, and inspiration for building tourism economies that honor what already exists while preparing for what comes next.

Venues

Lodging

Coming in for the Summit? We’ve got room blocks available at the Hampton Inn & Holiday Inn Express in Houghton. Easy access, great home base, and close to all the action. Book early while rooms last.