Explore Minnesota

Thank you to those who joined us at the Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference. We hope your time was well spent networking with tourism peers and learning about trends and new tactics in tourism marketing. Watch Keynote and Breakout Session recordings?on the Explore Minnesota industry website: https://bit.ly/41N6ys8

At Explore Minnesota’s 2025 Tourism Conference, industry leaders, elected officials, and over 500 attendees came together to celebrate the power of tourism. The numbers speak for themselves: ?: 80.2 million visits in 2023 ?: 180,473 jobs supported ?: $2.3 billion in state and local taxes generated, which saves each MN household $1,002 But tourism isn’t just about dollars, it’s about community. As our Executive Director Lauren Bennett McGinty shared, tourism strengthens our towns, attracts new businesses, and showcases Minnesota as a place where everyone can feel welcome and belong. Read more from The Minnesota Star Tribune's Editorial Board about the conference and our thriving tourism industry: https://bit.ly/3EQ3zGi Thank you to all who make Minnesota a top destination, not just to visit, but to live, work, and thrive!

Congratulations to the 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Awards winners!?? We celebrated outstanding individuals, marketing campaigns and other initiatives at our annual Tourism Conference in Minneapolis on February 18-19.? Bill Deef, Senior Vice President at Meet Minneapolis was named Tourism Industry Leader, and Sabrina Koelsch of the Little Falls Chamber Little Falls Chamber and Tourism earned the Emerging Leader award. The following awards were also presented, highlighting the great work those in our industry are doing throughout the state: Outstanding Marketing Campaign < $1,000,000 -?Visit Mankato Outstanding Marketing Campaign > $1,000,000 -?Visit Cook County MN Social Media Excellence -?Mall of America Outstanding Video -?Lovin' Lake County? Best Destination Website -?Bloomington Minnesota Travel & Tourism One Minnesota Award -?Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota (BikeMN) Exceptional Grant Project -?Willmar Lakes Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Exceptional Co-op Campaign -?Visit Lake City These achievements showcase the dedication and innovation driving Minnesota's tourism industry. For more details about the Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference and award recipients, including remarks and session recordings, visit https://lnkd.in/g-maRBib.??

The 2025 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference is right around the corner! Join us February 18-19 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The event brings the Minnesota tourism industry together for learning and networking while introducing new ideas and strategies for marketing communities and businesses.?We can't wait to see you! Learn more: https://bit.ly/3W64R5z

Calling all Hikers! ??♀? ?? Learn more about Minnesota's Driftless Hiking Trail and how it's reshaping outdoor recreation in southeastern Minnesota! In our latest Explore Minnesota More podcast episode, we explore an ambitious project to create Minnesota's newest long-distance hiking trail. Join us as we speak with Marty Walsh ("Lead Instigator") and Alexa Shapiro (Trail Director at MDHT) about: 1. How the unique geology of the Driftless Region creates the perfect terrain for hiking 2. Building partnerships between private landowners and public land managers 3. Creating economic opportunities for small communities through outdoor recreation 4. Turning a grassroots vision into reality with recent LCCMR funding This trail will be the closest long-distance backpacking opportunity for millions of people across the Upper Midwest. Learn how the team is working to make it happen! Listen now: https://lnkd.in/gecq2A75

It's National Plan for Vacation Day! Get ready to plan your next Minnesota adventure by ordering our 2025 Minnesota Travel Guide. Order your free copy now: https://bit.ly/3deiyGK

Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from our Day 1 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference keynote speakers, including Lauren Bennett McGinty, Josiah Brown, and Adam Sacks. View the full conference schedule and register today: https://bit.ly/3W64R5z

Catch a new episode of Explore Minnesota More featuring Lloyd Vogel, founder and CEO of Garage Grown Gear. Learn more about this MN-based startup and its ultralight outdoor gear. Listen here: https://apple.co/3xPyyz5 or anywhere you enjoy podcasts. Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership #OnlyinMN

Kickstart your 2025 with purpose! Join us at the Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference. This 1-? day educational conference includes tourism and hospitality industry experts delivering fresh and timely topics relevant to today’s travel industry with takeaways you can implement right away. Register now: https://bit.ly/3W64R5z?

?? Reminder: Our Town Hall is Almost Here! ?? Don’t miss the Explore Minnesota Film Town Hall on January 8th. Learn how Minnesota’s new state film office is advancing the production industry and shaping a productive 2025. What to Expect: ?: Updates on the Film Production Tax Credit guidelines. ?: Insight into the role of Minnesota’s state film office. ?: New initiatives and marketing efforts to promote Minnesota as a premier filming location. Meet our team: Presenter Melodie Bahan, Deputy Director, along with Sarah Gebeke, Production Liaison, and Jill Johansen, Incentives Specialist, will share updates and answer your questions. ?? When: Monday, January 8, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. ?? Where: Tasty Lighting Supply 2635 S. 28th?Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55406 ?? Virtual Meeting https://lnkd.in/gj5SZC-c This event is free and open to all industry professionals. No need to RSVP. See you there! ??