The Sanctuary received a Pure Award at the Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism, held April 10 to 12 at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids.

Presented to Sanctuary Superintendent Jeff Gray, the Pure Award recognizes a Michigan entity that has “pioneered the incorporation of innovative and exemplary best practices in natural, cultural, and heritage stewardship into daily operations,” according to a press release from Sanctuary Resource Protection Coordinator Stephanie Gandulla, who also attended the conference.

The annual conference welcomed more than 600 tourism representatives, economic development professionals, and meeting planners from across Michigan. The leaders gathered to discuss the latest trends and changes in the industry, including ways to make travel more accessible and inclusive for a diverse range of travelers.

“The conference is a celebration of all that Michigan has to offer our visitors,” said Gandulla. “And they have sessions, so you can learn best practices, and how people are trying new things and succeeding with new things across the state.”

Courtesy Photo Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary Superintendent Jeff Gray accepts the “Pure Award” at the 2023 Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Grand Rapids. This photo was provided by Michigan Economic Development Corp.

According to the Michigan Economic Development Corp., the Sanctuary is “a unique destination involving local communities while also providing an international draw to the first freshwater national marine sanctuary in the nation, changing the face of Michigan tourism locally, regionally, and statewide.”

Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary was also recognized for working to preserve and protect the Great Lakes by fostering best practices in freshwater diving and working collaboratively to address the effects of climate change on the Great Lakes, Gandulla said.

“National marine sanctuaries are places to educate and engage the public in ocean and Great Lakes stewardship,” Gandulla said. “So, to be recognized for what is really in our management plan and in our mission statement is really exciting. This award specifically talks about sustainable tourism practices relating to cultural and natural resources, which is what we embrace here. The cultural resources — the shipwrecks — but then, those shipwrecks are part of the ecosystem — the natural resources that we strive to protect.”

She said part of the mission of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary is to not only provide visitors educational and recreational opportunities, but to protect our waters for those who live in Northeast Michigan and beyond, now and for years to come.

“Yes, indeed, it is a wonderful place to visit, but in creating a wonderful place to visit, we’ve also helped create a wonderful place to live,” Gandulla said.

Reach Lifestyles Editor Darby Hinkley at dhinkley@thealpenanews.com, or at 989-358-5691.