Minnesota residents say tourism is important to state’s economy

March 7, 2006
http://www.extension.umn.edu/News

New research sponsored by the University of Minnesota Tourism Center shows that the majority (64 percent) of Minnesota residents feel tourism is very important to the state's economy.

In fact, 97 percent of Minnesotans indicate that tourism is either very important or important to the economy. In Minnesota, tourism generates $9.2 billion dollars in gross receipts/sales and employs more than 230,000 people.

All Minnesota residents perceived tourism as important to Minnesota’s economy, but those in greater Minnesota indicated it was more important than metro residents. Perceptions of tourism’s importance to the economy, however, did not meaningfully differ by age or income level. "This indicates broad support for tourism," says Ingrid Schneider, Tourism Center director.

Explore Minnesota Tourism Director John Edman is pleased the research was done and can demonstrate broad support for tourism. "These results help demonstrate an awareness that travel and tourism is an important part of our state," Edman said. "Dollars spent by travelers circulate into our local and state economies, supporting businesses and amenities that add to Minnesotans' quality of life."

This is the first assessment of statewide attitudes toward tourism, and it will continue annually through the University. Such research is typical of the research done with and by the Center, Schneider says. The University’s Tourism Center serves as a source for tourism research and education in the state and beyond. Expected outcomes from this work include sustainable growth, development, and return on investment (ROI) for tourism.

A prestigious advisory committee helps keep the cCenter in touch with industry needs and issues, Schneider says. These external partners include Carlson Companies, state government offices of tourism and transportation, as well as Minnesota communities.
The Tourism Center (www.tourism.umn.edu) is a partnership between the University of Minnesota Extension Service and College of Natural Resources. The Center is the source for tourism education and research offering relevant and research-based education and research.

This research was supported by the Carlson Chair of Hospitality, Travel and Tourism, and conducted as part of the 2005 Minnesota State Survey by the Minnesota Center for Survey Research. A telephone interview with 802 Minnesotan’s 18 years or older was conducted Oct. 18, 2005 to Jan. 5, 2006.

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Writer: Ingrid Schneider (612) 624-2250, ingridss@umn.edu
Editor: Jack Sperbeck (612) 625-1794, sperb001@umn.edu