International Trade Shows & Missions

Explore Minnesota Tourism is regularly heading to international events in efforts to grow its share of visitors from other countries. The state tourism office is known as one of the more active in efforts to secure visitors from other nations to experience the Midwest. One example is the May, 2012 hosting of Active America China, a gathering of over tour operators from China and the west coast of the U.S. who bring visitors to our shores from the burgeoning market.

Explore Minnesota Tourism participates in the following international trade shows and events. Tourism organizations and businesses can participate for a fee, plus travel expenses, unless otherwise indicated.
Who could benefit: Minnesota tourism organizations, attractions, lodging
Cost: fees may apply, plus travel expenses, unless otherwise indicated

Canada

Winnipeg Sales Mission: Winnipeg, Manitoba
April 16 – 18, 2013
Nearly 20 colleagues interested in expanding Canadian business joined in on our annual Spring sales mission to the Winnipeg area. Major events took place onApril 18, 2012, including a breakfast and presentation to area tour operators and media and an evening with staff from the three Winnipeg CAA (Canadian Automobile Association) staff. Our events were again crowd pleasers, with fun, food and beverage, destination and attraction exhibit areas. The CAA event also included destination showcasing in a game show format called Heckuva Deal or No Deal. If you missed out, plan on getting in on the popular spring sales mission in 2013.

Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC): Saskatoon, SK
June 12-15, 2013
Annual gathering of Canadian travel writers. Includes appointments and personal development workshops.
$1, 000 plus travel expenses and $250 annual membership

Minnesota Fall Promotions at CAA Manitoba Locations
September- October 2013
In conjunction with the Minnesota Shopping Month annual promotion, smaller groups will be heading to Winnipeg for customer promotions at the three Winnipeg area retail locations of the Canadian Auto Association Manitoba. These will be held for groups of up to six persons over two-three weeks later in September as a lead up to October's Minnesota Shopping Month designation. If wishing to participate, voice your interest to Chris Van Meter.

Ontario Motorcoach Association (OMCA): Toronto, ON
November 2-6,2013
$1,100 plus membership and travel expenses
EMT will not be attending OMCA this year

Europe

Icelandair Mid-Atlantic Seminar: Reykjavik, Iceland
January – February 2013
$1,000 plus air travel expenses

International Tourism Exchange (ITB): Berlin, Germany
March 6-10, 2013
$2,500 plus travel

Minnesota Sales Mission: UK/France (TBD)
September  2013
$2,500 plus air travel expenses

Asia

Active America Travel Summit – China: Philadelphia, PA
May 14-15, 2013
costs: $1295 plus air travel expenses

Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) Congress/World Travel Fair: Tokyo, Japan
September 12-15 2013
$2,500 plus travel expenses

East-West China/Taiwan Sales Mission: Four cities in China plus Taipei
November 9-19 2013
$5,000 plus travel expenses

Mexico

AnnualSales Mission: Mexico City
March 18-22, 2013
$2,000 plus travel expenses
 

Multi-National Marketing Opportunities

Rocky Mountain International Round-Up: Boise, ID
April 13-16, 2013
travel expenses only (limited to gateway city partners)

U.S. Travel Association International PowWow: Las Vegas NV
June 8-12, 2013
$1,500 plus travel expenses

International Sales Missions

Tourism organizations and businesses can participate in sales missions for a fee, plus travel expenses, unless otherwise indicated. If interested in particular markets, contact us to provide information on options.
 

For further information contact us in Travel Trade Marketing:

Nordic Countries: Cheryl Offerman, 651.757.1860, cheryl.offerman@state.mn.us
UK, Central Europe & Asia: Paul Sherburne, 651.757.1867, paul.sherburne@state.mn.us
North America & Latin America: Chris Van Meter, 651.757.1873, chris.vanmeter@state.mn.us