National Tourism Week Spotlights Contributions of This Major Industry

ST. PAUL, Minn., May 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Whether it's a quick
getaway or a longer vacation, it's more than special times spent with family
and friends. The travel and tourism industry is a big part of Minnesota's
economy.

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In Minnesota, travel and tourism generate $11 billion annually, with travelers
spending an average of $33 million a day in the state. Minnesota's leisure
and hospitality businesses account for 247,800 jobs, more than 10 percent of
the state's total private sector employment. Virtually every county in the
state benefits from the wages, taxes and revenues generated by tourism.

Travel and Tourism Week, May 9-17, is a national event to highlight the
economic, social and cultural benefits of the industry. This year's theme is
"Travel Matters."

In addition to the significant economic benefits of the travel industry,
visitor spending supports local amenities that residents enjoy in communities
across the state including theaters, museums, restaurants, trails, amusement
parks, shops and much more.

"Travel can add a lot to the quality of people's lives," notes John Edman,
director of Explore Minnesota Tourism, the state's tourism promotion office.
"Taking a trip and doing the things we enjoy most can make a real difference
in our physical and mental health and our overall enjoyment of life. And the
folks who work in the hospitality business are really motivated by the idea
that they are making a difference in people's lives."

Several communities are calling attention to Tourism Week with special
activities.
-- In Thief River Falls, the Riverland Tourism Association is holding a
day-long seminar on Tuesday, May 12 geared to those who work in
tourism,
called "Tourism in Northwest Minnesota Makes Dollars and
Sense."
-- New Ulm is offering a two-hour tour of the city's highlights for
area residents, as part of their "Company Is Coming" campaign
encouraging residents to spruce up and get ready for this summer's
visitors.

-- Brainerd is kicking off a similar summer tourism campaign called
"Waves of Welcome," with area businesses greeting visitors
with "Welcome" signs, placards and buttons.

Three tourism organizations will be hosting open houses at state Travel
Information Centers (TIC) on Friday, May 15:
-- Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau at Albert Lea TIC,
-- Southwest Minnesota Council at Beaver Creek TIC, and

-- Winona Convention and Visitors Bureau at the St. Croix TIC.

In addition, the Lakeville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau will hold a
Tourism Breakfast Brew on Wednesday, May 13 and the Shakopee Convention and
Visitors Bureau is introducing the city's children to the fun things to see
and do in their own community through a coloring contest.

State tourism director John Edman has another thought on how to celebrate
National Tourism Week: "It's the perfect time to plan your own getaway to
Explore Minnesota this summer." Travel ideas and detailed trip planning
information is available at the state's travel website: .

SOURCE Explore Minnesota Tourism

Michele Peters of Explore Minnesota Tourism, +1-651-296-0308,
Mpeters@state.mn.us