Contact: Joan Hummel
651-757-1850

ST. PAUL (August 28, 2009) – Explore Minnesota Tourism, the state’s tourism promotion office, has begun running two ads on Minnesota radio stations in collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. The ads promote fall travel to both the Minnesota and Wisconsin sides of the St. Croix River and the Mississippi River. Each of these rivers is popular for viewing fall color, and this partnership markets both sides of the river as a joint destination.

The radio spots will air through September 13 on more than 70 stations throughout the state as part of an agreement between Explore Minnesota Tourism and the Minnesota Broadcasters Association. Reciprocal radio ads are planned to run in Wisconsin next spring.

"Wisconsin and Minnesota are good neighbors, with lots of leisure travel back-and-forth by the residents of both states," explains John Edman, director of Explore Minnesota Tourism. "This collaborative tourism marketing is a cost-effective way to draw visitors to both sides of our very scenic border. It’s a partnership that works well for both states."

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 an $11 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 248,000 Minnesotans. More information can be found at www.industry.exploreminnesota.com.

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To hear the radio ads:
http://industry.exploreminnesota.com/side2/consumer-advertising/ad-campaigns-tv-radio/