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Tourism & U: News you can use

The Tourism Center is a collaboration of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences
and the University of Minnesota Extension.

 Fall 2009

In this issue
Agri-tourism research
Tourism Development
Market Area Profile
Movie about MN tourism
Quick Links
Tourism Fact
95% of MN residents
think tourism is
important to 
state economy 
Greetings!
 
The leaves have dropped, the harvest is in, and our plates brim with exciting projects.

Perhaps of most interest is the launch of "Tourism in Minnesota: Ideas at Play", co-produced with Twin Cities Public Television.  The half-hour show airs  December 6, 2009, 8:30 pm, on all public television stations (Minnesota Channel) in Minnesota. We hope and trust this will boost understanding of, awareness of, and support for tourism in Minnesota.

As the weather turns chilly, we give thanks for our many tourism friends and communities. Happy holidays!

Sincerely,
 
The UMN Tourism Center Team
Agri-tourism
 
A 2009 statewide survey of farm producers revealed a growing interest in agritourism enterprises, both on-and off-the-farm. The report concludes that "economic considerations are key motivators for growing agritourism."  This project complements two other recent efforts related to wine tourism and farm stays.
Tourism Development: Profiles & New product coming
We worked collaboratively with Lindstrom community groups to design, develop, and implement a tourism assessment profile (TAP) for Lindstrom. Residents were engaged in the process through the formation of a local task force, facilitated community meetings, interviews, small group discussions, and local media coverage.  Various groups within the community are currently working to implement several of the recommendations. Your community may be interested in one of several similar offerings: check community programs here.
 
In response to increasing interest and demand for our Community Tourism Development Manual , we are updating the video and text. We recently revisited four communities across the U.S. to film updates of our tourism development video. Look for the new version early 2010!
Market Area Profile: Brainerd Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce
 
The Tourism Center assisted the Brainerd Lakes Area Chamber to assess the potential for developing a regional tourism marketing approach.  A Marketing Area Profile (MAP) for 12 area lodging properties was constructed using zip code data.  The profile revealed that the market area and targeted customers of each property was remarkably similar. These results will focus and direct future marketing efforts toward optimal resource use.  A MAP can work to increase your ROI and partnership opportunities: consider if and how it can work for your organization.
Movie on MN tourism: 'Tourism in Minnesota: Ideas at Play' 
 
The Tourism Center has co-produced a Twin Cities Public Television Production, Tourism in Minnesota: Ideas at Play. The 30 minute show airs on the Minnesota Channel December 6th, 8:30 pm and will air on various channels throughout the next 12 months. Consider hosting a premier party on Sunday and sharing your event on our Facebook page! What, you're not a fan?! Sign up soon!
 
The film in its entirety is also available on the Tourism Center's website. The production features stories and discussion about tourism initiatives across Minnesota.