Contact: Leann Kispert
651-297-4347
Leann.kispert@state.mn.us

ST. PAUL, MN (April 7, 2008) Beginning today, Explore Minnesota Tourism will launch the “Seasons of Fun Giveaway,” which will generate nearly $900,000 in new promotional value to support the Explore Minnesota brand.

The Luther Auto Group, Dairy Queen, Arctic Cat, Erik’s Bikes & Boards and Golf Galaxy are just some of the well-know Minnesota companies that are partnering with Explore Minnesota Tourism on this promotion. These companies are lending media support, in-store promotion, and prizes throughout the duration of this three-season promotion.

The promotion will drive inquiries for Minnesota travel information to exploreminnesota.com with the lure of prizes including, hybrid automobiles, ATVs and snowmobiles, mountain bikes, golf equipment, attraction tickets, gift cards and destination getaways. A complete list of prizes for the “Summer of Fun” sweepstakes is available at ExploreMinnesota.com/giveaway.asp.

The first seasonal promotion - “Summer of Fun” begins today and runs through June 30, 2008. Prizes will be awarded weekly, with the “Summer of Fun” grand prize - a two year lease on a Toyota Pruis Hybrid automobile, courtesy of Luther Auto Group, awarded on July 2, 2008. A Ford Escape Hybrid is slated as the fall grand prize.

“Explore Minnesota Tourism is encouraged to increase partnerships and match to increase exposure and promotion of the Explore Minnesota brand,” says John Edman, director, Explore Minnesota Tourism. “While we are able to generate nearly $5 million in match each year, this is by far the most exciting marketing partnership promotion we have ever done.”

The “Summer of Fun” promotion will be followed by an “Autumn of Fun” promotion in August and September 2008, and a “Winter of Fun” promotion in January and February 2009. All tactics will drive consumers to ExploreMinnesota.com/giveaway.asp to register.

About Explore Minnesota Tourism

As the state’s tourism office, Explore Minnesota Tourism pursues an entrepreneurial approach, leveraging the state’s tourism investment with increased involvement by the private sector. A council of representatives from the state’s tourism industry strongly connects Explore Minnesota Tourism with tourism businesses and organizations.

Tourism is a $10.2 billion industry in Minnesota, a key sector of the state’s economy. The leisure and hospitality industry, a major provider of tourism services, employs more than 244,000 Minnesotans. More information can be found at www.exploreminnesota.com.

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