Resolution: Education and Training

Release Date: Sep 14, 2010

Whereas leisure and hospitality is an $11.2 billion industry in Minnesota that accounts for 16% of Minnesota's state sales tax revenues and provides over 245,000 full and part-time jobs;

Whereas most of the jobs created in Minnesota in the past year were in the leisure and hospitality sector, which gained 15,200 workers;

Whereas the tourism industry is made up of a wide variety of businesses, including lodging accommodations, restaurants, gift shops, transportation and attractions;

Whereas the Explore Minnesota Tourism Council, which provides strategic direction and represents all major sectors of the tourism industry, has set a goal to make leisure and hospitality a $20 billion industry in Minnesota by the year 2020;

Whereas educating and training employees for the tourism industry is a significant industry priority;

Now therefore, the Explore Minnesota Tourism Council resolves:

To support tourism career education in secondary and post-secondary schools that will provide a trained tourism, leisure and hospitality workforce with appropriate skills and knowledge and a strong work ethic.