The Tourism Center Fund supports our work helping communities use research, education, and collaboration to guide local decision-making, drive marketing strategies, inform policy and strengthen local economies through tourism.
Tourism
Tourism Center's response to COVID-19 impact and recovery
Find below tourism-focused news articles, webinars and research reports to help inform and support your community during these uncertain times.
News
U of M Extension survey seeks agritourism insights
The intersection of agriculture and tourism offers an ever-growing range of options to those seeking to open their farms and property to visitors.
Q and A on tourism
New Tourism Center Director Xinyi Qian shares thoughts on challenges and opportunities.
Driven by what’s important to Minnesota tourism
Minnesota’s $16 billion tourism industry relies on research and education from the University of Minnesota Tourism Center. Our research and education stays relevant because we stay in touch with the industry and communities.
Research
Our research examines current issues and emerging trends that affect the tourism industry.
- Telecommuting during COVID-19: How does it shape the future workplace and workforce? — This is an ongoing project funded by Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Xinyi Qian (Tourism Center) is the principal investigator.
- Understanding post-COVID safety concerns, perceptions, and preferences of transit and share mobility users in Minnesota — This is an ongoing project funded by Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Xinyi Qian (Tourism Center) is a co-principal investigator.
- Agritourism
- Sustainable tourism
- Visitor profiles give communities and local businesses information about their visitors.
- Other topics, e.g., mobility and workforce issues.
Explore our research reports to learn more.
Education
When visitors come to Minnesota, they expect excellent customer service, successful festivals and events, and great experiences. More than 100,000 participants have benefited from our four core program areas:
- Growing tourism leadership
- Community tourism development
- Creating positive customer service experiences
- Festival and event management
Our research-based educational programs can help your community create and sustain local tourism experiences.
Engagement
Our partnerships extend our work to all 87 counties in Minnesota and beyond. Our affiliates bring additional expertise in areas that impact the tourism industry.
Our 22-member advisory committee represents the breadth of the tourism industry across the state. They keep us in tune with emerging trends or concerns.
About us
We have been strengthening Minnesota tourism for more than 30 years. Learn more about how we formed and important dates in our history.
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In 1987, the University of Minnesota Tourism Center was created. That same year, Curtis L. Carlson made an initial gift to establish the Carlson Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Chair. This gift inspired additional gifts from over 130 tourism industry supporters.
Over the years, projects supported with Carlson Chair funds have made an impact in every Minnesota county and tourism sector. As a result of our research and educational efforts, social, political and cultural capital has increased across Minnesota.
- 2020 — Offered two free webinar series in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
- 2019 — Launched Growing Tourism Leadership webinar series
- 2017 — Licensed At Your Service program to University of Missouri Extension
- 2015 — Translated and culturally adapted At Your Service program for use in Morocco
- 2013 — Launched statewide Tourism Assessment Program collaboration with the Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships
- 2010 — Won Emmy® for Minnesota Tourism: Ideas at Play
- 2007 — Facilitated Three Rivers Wine Trail development
- 2006 — Hosted first statewide sustainable tourism conference
- 2004 — Sponsored first annual "Tourism Works for U" research showcase to celebrate National Tourism Week
- 2003 — Assisted with developing Minnesota American Indian Tourism Association
- 2001 — Conducted visitor profiles in Brainerd, Detroit Lakes, Ely, Pipestone, and Shakopee
- 1999 — Conducted visitor profiles of five southern Minnesota communities along I-90 corridor
- 1996 — Developed statewide research agenda
- 1995 — Launched the At Your Service program
- 1992 — Created Festival and Event Management program
- 1991 — Introduced National Rural Tourism Development program
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