Because tourism is such a vital component of our state economy, efforts are under way to try to protect Minnesota’s competitiveness in the marketplace. Regional competitors, such as Illinois, Michigan, Montana, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, outspend Minnesota in tourism marketing. 

“Minnesota must invest in tourism to stay competitive, attract more out-of-state visitors and grow Minnesota’s tourism business,” said Lisa Paxton, Brainerd Lakes Chamber CEO and Minnesota Tourism Growth Coalition Chair.

The Coalition, with support from more than 100 tourism organizations and businesses thorughout the state, was created to coordinate activities to increase the marketing budget for Explore Minnesota Tourism through an increase in awareness of the importance of the tourism industry in Minnesota.

The Coalition is seeking an increase of Minnesota’s tourism marketing budget to $16 million per year. Learn more about Minnesota Tourism Growth Coalition at mntgc.org.