Want further proof? Perhaps the best indication of Detroit’s rising popularity – one that a travel industry veteran would understand – is that the city is hosting IPW in 2028.

The changes around Detroit are ongoing, however greater downtown is where the majority of the rebuild is taking place.

It’s the only city in the United States designated as a UNESCO City of Design. Many historical buildings have been restored, returning the elegance and grandeur to the skyline. Some 20 years ago, there were approximately 70,000 abandoned buildings. Now, there are only around 10,000 to 15,000.

One example of the restoration is Hotel David Whitney, Autograph Collection. Media on this Visit Detroit trip stayed in the apartment-style, one-bedroom suites. Originally designed by famed American architect Daniel H. Burnham, US$92 million was dropped in 2013 to redesign this historical space that was once offices for doctors and dentists, plus retail, in its heyday.

Another example is the Book Tower, where US$400 million was spent on a renovation prior to the building reopening last summer, after being closed since 2009. Originally built in 1917, Book Tower is one of the oldest buildings downtown and was restored with some of its original components. Kamper’s Rooftop Lounge on the 14th floor is a great place to grab a cocktail.

One of the best ways to see all the revived architecture is by taking the free Detroit People Mover, an almost three-mile, elevated monorail loop that takes 30 minutes to complete.

There’s plenty in the city to keep visitors entertained. One top venue, Cliff Bell’s, was Frank Sinatra’s favourite jazz bar in Detroit, with its ornate, rounded gold-leaf ceilings and excellent food.

The many museums are another big attraction in the Motor City. There’s the comprehensive Detroit Institute of Arts, where the docents can explain every single detail on tours, and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Meanwhile the Motown Museum seems to be everyone’s favourite. Visitors can sing ‘My Girl’ together in famed Hitsville Studio A at the end of one-hour guided tours.

Motown Museum

Detroit is also a great place to catch a Major League Baseball game at Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers. This throwback stadium is what a baseball stadium should be, and the restored skyline was looking more beautiful than ever in the background behind the outfield.

Detroit Tigers baseball live from Comerica Park

During the trip, the locals took full opportunity to share their own strong feelings towards their city, giving the insider perspective of what makes it such and up-and-coming, trending destination. After all, Detroit is a city of diversity flush with civic pride that was built and rebuilt by the people.

Chris Moyer, Senior Director of Communications for Visit Detroit, gave perspective on the city’s trajectory. “Cars wouldn’t be cars, music wouldn’t be music, culture wouldn’t be culture without Detroit. This is a city that is on a continuous journey. We’ve had some incredible highs, and we’ve had some lows but right now, the people who live here are committed to making this a great place to live, to work, to play and to visit.

Visit Detroit media fam group in front of the Eminem mural in the city’s Eastern Market area

Moyer added: “It’s an exceptionally welcoming place that’s excited to welcome more people from Canada and around the world to experience the history and culture, which includes an excellent restaurant, bar and cocktail scene.”

Moyer shared his thoughts on why now’s a great time to plan a trip to Detroit. “For Canadian travellers, coming to Detroit now in the middle of the 2020s gives them a chance to see the city at this incredible inflection point as we’re gaining momentum on this upward swing. Travellers can get in now before it’s even known as a destination and can see, touch, feel and experience Detroit culture firsthand very easily. We’ll be a must-visit destination in five to ten years.”

Jason Hall, the top expert on the murals of the Eastern Market area and Detroit’s premier eBike tour guide, offered his own take on the city: “Detroit is a playground that people have no idea about. For years it had this image of being a place that you shouldn’t go to. Now, there’s so many cool events going on, great art, fantastic music. I think of Detroit as an open area where I can do so much stuff. People who have the wrong perception should come here and see the community themselves.”

Eastern Market

To learn more, go to VisitDetroit.com.