Legislative Update – Fall 2018

The seasons have changed, and it is the fall tourism season in Minnesota!  This means scenic drives to view the beautiful leaf colors, trips to the apple orchards, attending many of the wine stomps at wineries across the state, local festivals, Octoberfest and so much more!  But, that is not the only season that is upon us – it is also campaign season in Minnesota.

The Minnesota Tourism Growth Coalition (MTGC) was formed in 2013 by a group of tourism industry professionals, industry advocates and businesses throughout the state for the purpose of increasing awareness of the importance of the tourism industry in Minnesota and to advocate for increased tourism funding at the state legislature.  There are so many success stories to share about the impact of tourism funding, how the benefits are realized across the state of Minnesota from the major metropolitan areas, to regional centers, in our smaller communities, and at special events.  Big and small businesses from hotels and resorts to restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores and printing businesses all benefit from tourism.  Tourism investment is the front door to economic development in our state!

Many of you will be hosting local and statewide candidate forums in your area, and you will have the opportunity to talk with candidates as they meet with constituents and community leaders.  I encourage you to share the attached tourism funding talking points (linked here) with the candidates you meet.  In addition, at the direction of the EMT Council, Explore Minnesota Tourism (EMT) staff have prepared a white paper, “Increase Minnesota’s Competitiveness as a Premier Travel Destination.”  This white paper can be found above under the “Why more funding?” tab.

The tourism budget will be a focus of the 2019 legislative session.  MTGC and EMT will be seeking increased funding for tourism and continued funding of the major tourism events grant program.  Please take the time to ask candidates to pledge their support of increased tourism funding in the state’s budget.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask us.

Thank you for your support of tourism in Minnesota!

Best,

Sarah Psick, Lobbyist
Minnesota Tourism Growth Coalition
[email protected]
[email protected]