Contact: Joan Hummel
651-757-1850

ST. PAUL (July 31, 2009) – A day-long workshop on Cultural Heritage Tourism for arts, history and tourism organizations throughout northwest Minnesota will be held Thursday, August 13 in Thief River Falls. The workshop is presented by Explore Minnesota Tourism in partnership with the Minnesota State Arts Board, the Minnesota Historical Society and the Minnesota Heartland Tourism Association. The Minnesota Association of Museums, Minnesota Citizen for the Arts, and Itineraries Midwest magazine are additional sponsors.

The aim of the workshop, subtitled "Get a Little Help from Your Friends," is to encourage arts and heritage organizations and tourism businesses and organizations to work together to attract more visitors to their communities. A workshop panel will feature examples of organizations in the region that are partnering to increase business. There will also be presentations about online advertising trends, working with a limited ad budget and creating travel packages.

The workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Best Western Inn in Thief River Falls, and includes lunch. Registration is $59, or $45 if paid a week prior to the workshop. The workshop will also be held in other areas of the state in October and November. For more information and to register, go to: http://industry.exploreminnesota.com/side1/events-conferences/cultural-heritage-tourism-workshops/, or call 800-657-3637.

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