Contact: Michele Peters
651-757-1862
Michele.peters@state.mn.us

National Travel and Tourism Week is May 9-17, 2009

ST. PAUL, MN (May 11, 2009) National Travel and Tourism Week, May 9-17, calls attention to the economic, social and cultural benefits of this major industry, promoting the message that “Travel Matters.” In Minnesota, travel and tourism generates $11 billion annually for the state economy, with travelers spending an average of $33 million a day in the state. Minnesota’s leisure and hospitality businesses account for 247,800 jobs, more than 10 percent of the state’s total private sector employment. Virtually every county in the state benefits from the wages, taxes and revenues generated by tourism.

In addition to the significant economic benefits of the travel industry, tourism and the visitor spending it generates support local amenities that residents enjoy in communities across the state: theaters, museums, restaurants, trails, amusement parks, shops and much more.

Travel is an important on the personal level, too. “Travel can add a lot to the quality of people’s lives,” notes John Edman, director of Explore Minnesota Tourism, the state’s tourism promotion office. “Whether it’s a quick getaway or a longer vacation, spending special times with family and friends doing the things you enjoy most can make a real difference in our physical and mental health, our overall enjoyment of life. And the folks who work in the hospitality business are really motivated by the idea that they are making a difference in people’s lives.”

Several communities are calling attention to Tourism Week with special activities. In Thief River Falls, the Riverland Tourism Association is holding a day-long seminar on Tuesday, May 12 geared to those who work in tourism, called “Tourism in Northwest Minnesota Makes Dollars and Sense.” New Ulm is offering a two-hour tour of the city’s highlights for area residents, as part of their “Company Is Coming” campaign encouraging residents to spruce up and get ready for this summer’s visitors. Brainerd is kicking off a similar summer tourism campaign called “Waves of Welcome,” with area businesses greeting visitors with “Welcome” signs, placards and buttons.

Three tourism organizations will be hosting open houses at state Travel Information Centers (TIC) on Friday, May 15: Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau at Albert Lea TIC, Southwest Minnesota Council at Beaver Creek TIC, and Winona Convention and Visitors Bureau at the St. Croix TIC. The Lakeville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau will hold a Tourism Breakfast Brew on Wednesday, May 13. The Shakopee Convention and Visitors Bureau is introducing the city’s children to the fun things to see and do in their own community through a coloring contest.

State tourism director John Edman has another thought on how to celebration National Tourism Week: “It’s the perfect time to plan your own getaway to Explore Minnesota this summer.” Travel ideas and detailed trip planning information is available at the state’s travel website: www.exploreminnesota.com.

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.exploreminnesota.com.

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