Contact: Michele Peters
651-296-0308
Michele.peters@state.mn.us

The interactive My Favorite Minnesota shows travelers you don’t have to travel far to have fun

ST. PAUL, MN (July 2, 2008) More travelers are looking for affordable destinations closer to home this summer, and Minnesota tourism businesses are ready for residents of Minnesota and nearby states to choose Minnesota for unique, affordable getaways. Minnesota offers countless museums, festivals and amusements parks, not to mention an abundance of fun at any one of more than 10,000 lakes.

Explore Minnesota Tourism, the state’s tourism office, is using new radio ads and a revamped Web site with reminders about the great things to see and do right here in Minnesota. The radio ads will be heard in Minnesota, Sioux Falls, La Crosse and Winnepeg. Minnesota is well positioned to be the destination of choice for close-to-home getaways since most of its visitors are from nearby states, and Minnesotans themselves are the state’s top tourists.

“Minnesotans and visitors from our neighboring states and provinces are still in search of some vacation time this summer,” said John Edman, director, Explore Minnesota Tourism. “However, many will take fewer trips, stay fewer days, travel closer to home and take more day trips. Exploring Minnesota now makes even more sense.”

Explore Minnesota Tourism re-launched “My Favorite Minnesota” campaign online at exploreminnesota.com in an easier-to-use format. Now, travelers can search the lists of favorites posted by real users for specific topics of interest, such as camping, biking, golfing, resorts, museums and more

Featuring photos and video of vacation ideas from Minnesotans, My Favorite Minnesota offers travelers a starting point for planning their summer vacations. From pie shops to scenic drives, people who have traveled Minnesota offer their advice on where to go and what to do.

Through My Favorite Minnesota, those who travel the state are also encouraged to share their tips and ideas for a great vacation with others. Whether you discover trip ideas that are “sure to be cheap or free,” or your “Favorite Ways to Travel the World without leaving St. Paul,” you can share these ideas with others - and share your trip photos with friends and relatives. See My Favorite Minnesota for more great lists.

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 $10.5 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.

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Hear the radio spot