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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.

 Spring 2010 
In this issue
Festival Fever
Who's hitting the trail?
State of sustainable tourism in MN
Movie about MN tourism
Quick Links
Tourism Fact
99% of MN residents
think tourism is
important to 
state economy 
Greetings!
 
With a spring in our step, we're anxiously preparing for Minnesota's spring and summer tourism season!
 
We're reinvigorating a variety of our programs: look for an updated online Festival & Event Management program, an updated Tourism Development text and film, as well as updates to the 'state of sustainable tourism in Minnesota.' 
 
While we always enjoy the state tourism conference, receiving the 'Friend of Minnesota Tourism' award made the event even more special: thank you to all our supporters! If you weren't able to attend, check out a few of our pictures on Facebook.
 
To improve our services and products, we need your insight. Would you please take just 3 minutes to share your thoughts on our work to date and ideas for the future? Just click here to share your thoughts: we look forward to your participation!  
 
Also, to keep even more up to date on us, check out our Facebook & Twitter accounts!
Sincerely,
 
Ingrid Schneider, Director
612-624-4947, ingridss@umn.edu
Festival Fever
 
As spring approaches, festival and events are preparing for a great season. If your organization needs festival training, consider our newly updated online training in Festival & Event Management.  Join hundreds of festival organizers who have realized increased sponsorships and community support by implementing the strategies and tactics learned in class. 
 
If you need information on festival attendees, see our festival resources section with details on attendees and economic impacts.
 
Register here or contact Kent Gustafson (kgustaf@umn.edu) for details.
Who's hitting the trail?
 
An ambitious and unique study of Minnesota recreational trail user groups is providing trail management and promotion information.  The study revealed that recreation trail users total trip spending was $2.41 billion and that physical activity was among the top three highest percentages for six of the ten groups surveyed.  When on the trail, nearly half of all recreational trail users noted some concerns that impacted their experience.  Read the full report or view one page summaries by activity group on the web page.
State of sustainable tourism in Minnesota
 
Is sustainability part of the 'new normal' for tourism?  While media and industry efforts in sustainability abound, actual implementation is less clearly understood.  Following up on our work in 2007 and 2008, we are partnering with Explore MN Tourism to survey the Minnesota tourism industry about their sustainable tourism practices and needs. Look for trend data later this spring!
 
MN tourism film 'Tourism in Minnesota: Ideas at Play' 
 
The Tourism Center co-produced a Twin Cities Public Television Production, Tourism in Minnesota: Ideas at Play. The 30 minute show is airing on the Minnesota Channel throughout 2010, is available on the Tourism Center's website and will be distributed across the state by Extension's Community Vitality educators. The production features stories and discussion about tourism initiatives across Minnesota. Consider a 'showing' party to discuss the importance of tourism to your area or linking to our site to show pertinent segments for your organization or community.