Record-Breaking Tourism Year Drives Kent County's Growing Appeal as Grand Rapids Emerges as Top Destination

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Kent County's tourism economy achieved unprecedented success in 2025, setting new records that position West Michigan as a premier destination for meetings, conventions, and leisure travelers across the country.

According to data released Tuesday by Experience Grand Rapids during their annual meeting and tourism forum at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, hotels in Kent County sold approximately 2.36 million room nights last year. This represents a 3.2% increase over 2024 numbers, marking the highest level of room sales in the region's history.

The record room sales generated $290.6 million in hotel revenue, also up 3.2% year over year. The data on room sales and revenue were provided to Experience Grand Rapids by Smith Travel Research, a leading hospitality analytics firm.

"We're seeing strong demand across leisure, group and business travel, and it reflects the growing appeal of Grand Rapids as a destination," said Doug Small, president and CEO of Experience Grand Rapids, Kent County's convention and visitors bureau.

Group Bookings Continue to Lead the Way

Hotel rooms sold for meetings, conventions and sports events booked by Experience Grand Rapids and the West Michigan Sports Commission also had a strong showing last year. The two organizations booked 533 groups, generating 173,738 room nights according to a release.

"Group room night sales remain one of the clearest indicators of our impact," Small said. "Led by our talented sales team, these bookings are the direct result of sustained, strategic sales efforts that drive meeting planners, tournament directors and tour operators to choose Grand Rapids and Kent County for events happening in 2025 and into the future."

Looking Ahead to 2026

Experience Grand Rapids has set an ambitious goal of selling 173,500 contracted group room nights in 2026. Small indicated that upcoming events will help the organization meet this target.

Upcoming events include the 2026 Latvian Song and Dance Festival and the Hartford Nationals adaptive sports competition, both of which will draw significant attention to the region.

"Group room night sales remain one of the clearest indicators of our impact," Small said.

New Venues and Attractions Driving Growth

New venues such as Acrisure Amphitheater will also support the effort to meet the 2026 goals. The amphitheater has already announced an impressive 2026 lineup that includes comedian Jerry Seinfeld on August 8, singer Kesha on her "Freedom Tour," and various other entertainment acts.

"With exciting developments taking shape across the community—from the Acrisure Amphitheater to the upcoming Dale Chihuly exhibition at Frederik Meijer Gardens and enhancements to the Grand Rapids Public Museum's indoor and riverfront exhibits and programming—we're creating even more reasons for visitors and meeting planners to choose Grand Rapids," he said.

The Broader Context

The tourism success comes at a time when Grand Rapids and Kent County are also leading Michigan in population growth, according to recent census data. West Michigan has emerged as the state's population growth leader while Metro Detroit's population has stagnated.

The record hotel revenue and room nights sold reflect a broader trend of regional growth and development that continues to attract businesses, residents, and visitors alike.

Tourism Forum Highlights

The annual meeting and tourism forum where this data was released brought together hundreds of industry professionals, including hoteliers, convention planners, tourism operators, and local business leaders. Attendees had the opportunity to hear updates on the region's tourism performance and discuss strategies for continuing the growth trajectory.

The forum took place at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, one of the many attractions that draw visitors to Kent County throughout the year. The venue itself serves as a testament to the region's commitment to world-class cultural and recreational experiences.

Economic Impact

The $290.6 million in hotel revenue represents a significant economic impact for Kent County. Hotel rooms and related tourism spending support thousands of jobs across the hospitality industry, from housekeeping staff and chefs to event planners and marketing professionals.

The growth in tourism also benefits surrounding communities, restaurants, retail establishments, and transportation providers that serve visitors to the area.

As Kent County continues to invest in its tourism infrastructure and promote its unique attractions, the record-breaking 2025 numbers provide a strong foundation for continued growth in the coming years.