June 07--TRAVERSE CITY -- Residents of "Hotlanta" now have a lot more opportunities to visit a much cooler Traverse City this summer.
Delta Airlines announced this week they will more than double their number of weekly summer flights between Atlanta and Traverse City, northern Michigan's primary air hub.
"It's great news and it just really shows our market is growing," said Kevin Klein, airport director.
Delta previously offered an inaugural seven flights a week during the 2012 summer season. They will now offer 17 flights between the two cities, representing a 143 percent increase in flights and a 124 percent increase in seats.
Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau President Brad Van Dommelen said the increased Delta flights and similar announcements by United Airlines shows the region's tourism allure is red-hot. United recently offered inbound and outbound summer-season service to and from United's New York hub at Newark Liberty International Airport, along with flights to and from Cleveland.
"The airlines have recognized the momentum we have in Traverse City with our tourism outreach efforts," Van Dommelen said. "They recognize this is a destination on the rise."
Van Dommelen and others credit leadership from Klein and a team recruitment effort between the airport, the Convention & Visitors Authority and the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce for much of the increased airline activity.
Copyright 2013 - The Record-Eagle, Traverse City, Mich.
