Profile of Visitors to Northwest Minnesota -- Two Distinct Regions and Six Communities

Why would tourists visit Northwest Minnesota? What would it take to bring in more tourists of the type that stay longer and spend more? What could an individual business do to increase its market share even if the size of the market does not expand? These are just a few of the questions the Center's Visitor Profile research answered.

New findings from studies completed in Northwest Minnesota have identified and profiled tourists traveling to two distinct regions: the Red River Valley Region and the Lake of the Woods Region. The focus was on three communities in each region involved in the study. The communities involved included Baudette, Crookston, East Grand Forks, Roseau, Thief River Falls, and Warroad. A questionnaire was developed and distributed to visitors in the six primary communities over a 12-month period. Field personnel contacted visitors in a variety of places including gas stations, motels, restaurants, attractions, etc.

Results revealed:

  • Visitors primary reason for travel and destination choice
  • The types of activities visitors engaged in during their stay
  • Visitors length of stay and accommodations utilized
  • How much money visitors spent and on what

This study was made possible from contributions from the Northwest Minnesota Regional Foundation; the Northwest Regional Partnership, Agriculture Experiment Station; the six communities investigated; and, the Carlson Tourism, Travel and Hospitality Chair, an endowment of the University of Minnesota's Tourism Center. Funds were administered and monitored by the Northwest Regional Development Commission.

Tourism Development organizations such as Chambers and CVB's can use this new baseline information to refine marketing plans and make more informed decisions about ongoing tourism development, planning, and strategy. Additionally individual businesses can now use this information to develop market profiles of their target markets and/or conduct feasibility studies.

Final reports

For more information about the study contact:

Bill Gartner, Principal Investigator


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