Amplifying Local Voices to Elevate Detroit’s Travel Narrative

A multichannel storytelling program with content licensing to fuel long-term DMO marketing efforts.

Museum goers observe the Detroit Industry Murals by Diego Rivera at the Detroit Institute of Arts on March 21, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. 
 
Credit: Sylvia Jarrus for AFAR

Museum goers observe the Detroit Industry Murals by Diego Rivera at the Detroit Institute of Arts on March 21, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. Credit: Sylvia Jarrus for AFAR

Sylvia Jarrus/Sylvia Jarrus for Afar

The Ask

Increase awareness, consideration, and sentiment of Detroit as a desirable leisure destination

The Solution

Through personality-led storytelling that’s in tune with Detroit’s creative heartbeat, Afar created a custom content series featuring original photography to highlight Detroit-based locals who embody its culture and history, along with their recommendations

for experiencing Detroit block by block. Supported by robust multimedia amplification across Afar’s channels, the program captured Detroit’s distinctive energy and increased awareness, consideration, and intent among our audience to plan travel to Detroit next.

Results

Awareness

58

editorial photos for licensing

Engagement

256%

delivery on pageviews

Action

1.5x

above average custom content CTR

 


 

Content Highlights

Motor City locals share the best of the city, from open-fire kitchens and late-night dance floors to museum galleries and mural-covered markets.
Rapper and record label owner Ty Farris shares his go-to spots for food, music, and culture in Detroit.
James Beard Award semifinalist Javier Bardauil shares his favorite places to eat in Detroit’s Core City and beyond.
From renowned museums to legendary music history, visit the places that inspire artist Tiff Massey for a Parisian-style cultural experience right in the heart of the Midwest.
Stay at a hotel housed in a historic building, picnic on an island, go dancing at an underground music hub, and more tips from local artist Tiff Massey.
Try these spots recommended by a local chef, from an authentic French bakery to an East African–inspired lunch joint.
From the Motown Museum to historic venues, check out these go-to spots recommended by local rapper and record label CEO Ty Farris.

 


 

Photo Gallery

Original Afar Photography produced in partnership with local photographer Sylvia Jarrus

 


 

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Get in touch with our sales team today to explore how Afar expertise can help your brand make a meaningful impact. Our expertise encompasses our audience of Travelers Who Care, award-winning storytelling, a full-service creative studio, data-guided insights, and integrated multimedia campaigns that scale.