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

ST. PAUL, MN (Sept. 4, 2007) Minnesota tourism fared well overall this summer, with occupancy at accommodations up somewhat over last summer. In an end-of-the-summer survey conducted by Explore Minnesota Tourism of a selection of hotels/motels, B&Bs, resorts and campgrounds across the state, most businesses reported that summer occupancy was the same or greater than last summer. In fact, the most common response was that business was up over the same period last year, though some businesses reported a downturn in occupancy.

Even more of the businesses surveyed reported an increase in summer revenues, reflecting a national trend over the past couple of years as accommodations increase room rates after a few years of flat or discount pricing.

Some of the surveyed businesses said high gas prices had a positive impact on their business this summer, since people were traveling closer to home. Others said they thought that high gas prices had been a negative factor and some said gas prices were not a factor at all.

Many reported that the economy in general was affecting their business, with customers expressing concerns about room rates, looking for deals, staying fewer nights, and in general, planning less expensive vacations.

Lodging businesses reported many reasons for travel beyond summer vacations: weddings, family reunions, hockey camps, tournaments, festivals, conventions, business travel and even road construction brought them business. Businesses reported seeing more Canadian visitors due to a more favorable exchange rate. Weather this summer was generally favorable for tourism, though some accommodations in the far southeast corner of the state lost business due to late August floods.

For the upcoming fall season, about half of the businesses surveyed expect an increase in occupancy and just over half expect an increase in revenues.

Explore Minnesota Tourism is the state office that promotes Minnesota travel in partnership with Minnesota’s tourism industry; the leisure and hospitality industry generates more than $10 billion annually for the state’s economy.

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