Minnesota Bets $25 MILLION on Tourism and Growth with Funding Boost
Minnesota’s rolling out the red carpet with a $25M boost to show off its beauty and opportunities. So, are you coming for a visit?
Minneapolis, Minnesota – In a bold move to spice up its appeal, Minnesota is rolling out the welcome mat like never before, pouring a cool $25 million into drawing both travelers and folks looking for a fresh start. Imagine this: ads popping up all over the nation, painting the Land of 10,000 Lakes as your next dream home or getaway. Starting in March, Minnesota’s not just a postcard destination but a call to pack your bags and maybe even stay for good.
This cash infusion is a big deal for Explore Minnesota, the state’s tourism cheerleader, marking its first budget bump in over a decade. The plan? To not only lure tourists but to charm potential new Minnesotans with a glimpse of what makes this place tick. With an $11 million slice of the pie, they’re also launching a new division aimed at business folks, hoping to make the state a hotspot for job seekers, too.
But it’s not all work and no play. A fresh tourism campaign is also hitting screens and airwaves, showcasing everything from fishing to food through the eyes of influencers. The goal is to show off Minnesota as a place that’s buzzing with activity all year round, breaking the stereotype of it being just a cold spot in the Midwest.
The stakes are high, with nearby states stepping up their game to attract new faces and fill job openings. Minnesota’s low unemployment rate means there are more jobs than folks to fill them, so the push to market the state as both a travel and living destination could not come at a better time.
Behind the scenes, Explore Minnesota is getting a makeover too, with plans to dive back into international marketing, beef up its staff, and even bring on a tribal liaison to celebrate the state’s rich indigenous culture. There’s also big money going towards events like the U.S. Gymnastic Trials, and support for local tourism efforts, from multicultural festivals to boosting the visibility of Minnesota’s 11 tribal nations.
This entire initiative proves the idea that seeing is believing. By giving travelers a taste of Minnesota, the hope is they’ll want to come back for more – maybe even for good. It’s an ambitious plan to make Minnesota not just a place you visit, but a place you call home.
