Explore Minnesota Kicks Off National Travel and Tourism Week

ST. PAUL, Minn. (April 29, 2021) – Explore Minnesota, the state's tourism promotion agency, is kicking off National Travel and Tourism Week (#NTTW21, May 2-8) by expressing appreciation to Minnesotans and businesses throughout the state for their support and resilience throughout 2020, now, and into the future. Presented by the U.S. Travel Association, National Travel and Tourism Week in 2021 recognizes the #PowerofTravel and the industry’s role in state, local and national economies.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the travel and tourism industry was a significant contributor to the U.S. economy. This year, national travel spending is down nearly $500 billion, costing the U.S. economy $1.1 trillion. In Minnesota, the past year was challenging for many of the state’s lodging properties, restaurants, attractions, event organizers, hospitality workers and more. In 2020, Minnesota tourism experienced a 50% revenue loss ($8.2 billion). Despite losses, the state’s tourism industry has been resilient, finding new ways to serve visitors and help Minnesotans enjoy the state. Similarly, Minnesotans have responded in turn by recreating in the great outdoors, shopping, dining and exploring their state and local businesses, proving they will be the driving force to tourism recovery in the years ahead.

“We are grateful for our hard-working tourism industry owners, operators and workers, who helped keep Minnesota’s tourism and hospitality industry afloat throughout the pandemic,” said Explore Minnesota director, John Edman. “Despite an incredibly challenging year, we are optimistic that travel is coming back. We know travelers are eager to hit the road for their next Minnesota adventure this summer and we welcome them.”

Minnesota’s businesses, venues and residents are working hard to slow the spread of COVID-19, with tourism-related guidelines in place to ensure visitors have a healthy and fun experience in the state regardless of which adventures they chose to take. Whether Minnesotans are planning a short last-minute getaway or gearing up for a bucket-list trip this summer, they are continuing to support local businesses and tourism, for which Explore Minnesota is extremely grateful.

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About Explore Minnesota

As the state's tourism promotion office, Explore Minnesota works to inspire consumers and facilitate travel to and within Minnesota while pursuing an entrepreneurial approach and leveraging the state's tourism investment with increased involvement by the private sector. A council of tourism industry representatives connects Explore Minnesota with tourism businesses and organizations throughout the state. Tourism is a key sector of the state's economy, historically generating $16.6 billion in leisure and hospitality sales and employing nearly 275,000 workers in Minnesota's leisure and hospitality businesses, representing 11 percent of Minnesota's private sector employment. Leisure and hospitality also generates $1.04 billion of the state's sales tax revenues.

For trip ideas and to start planning your Minnesota summer travel adventure, visit exploreminnesota.com. Share your sights with @exploreminn on Twitter, or @exploreminnesota on Instagram and Facebook, using #OnlyinMN.