EMT Express - June 18, 2008

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EMT Express

Welcome to EMT Express, providing bi-weekly news and tips for the people who market Minnesota tourism.

May Inquiries

Total Phone Calls 1,541
Counselor Assisted 1,024
Voicemail 517
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Mail and electronic 21,624
Website Brochure Requests 3,475
TIC visitorship 276,080

Summer ‘08: Tourism Talking Points
This year’s high gas prices and economic slowdown have brought media coverage about the potential impact of these factors on tourism, across the country and in Minnesota. In case of media inquiries about the outlook for the summer travel season, here are some talking points, based in part on input from the Minnesota tourism industry.

  • This summer, more travelers will be looking for destinations closer to home, and Minnesota tourism businesses anticipate that residents of Minnesota and nearby states choose Minnesota for unique getaways
  • Minnesota is expecting overall travel at about the same level as last summer. In a sample of tourism lodging businesses contacted by Explore Minnesota Tourism prior to Memorial Day, two-thirds expected occupancy this summer to be the same as last year or higher, and almost half expected higher revenues.
  • However, travel patterns are changing. While most people will continue to travel, many will take fewer trips, stay fewer days, travel closer to home and take more day trips.
  • In addition, budget-stressed consumers are spending less at restaurants, attractions and gift shops during their trips. On the other hand, attractions like museums, zoos and amusement parks may get a boost from families choosing day trips and at home vacations this year.
  • Many people are waiting longer to make lodging reservations, making it harder for businesses to predict how their summer will fare.
  • Seven in ten polled tourism businesses expect that high gas prices will either have no effect on their businesses, or will actually benefit their business, with more travelers taking trips closer to home. But some destinations, such as those far from population centers, are concerned about the potential impact of high gas prices.
  • Explore Minnesota advertising targets many nearby markets like Sioux Falls, Des Moines and Milwaukee, as well as Minnesotans themselves. Since these markets are the traditional sources of Minnesota travelers, the state is well positioned to be the destination of choice for close-to-home road trips.
  • Minnesota tourism businesses are seeing more Minnesota customers, and expect fewer out-of-state customers. Favorable exchange rates are expected to bring in more visitors from Canada and abroad.
  • In addition to economic concerns, weather is always a factor influencing tourism business in Minnesota. The cool, rainy weather so far is a tough start to the summer tourism season.

White Bear Lake Announced as Site of the 2009 Governor’s Fishing Opener
The Governor’s Fishing Opener will make history in 2009 when White Bear Lake serves as the hosting community. This is the first time the event has been held in the Twin Cities area.

White Bear Lake, often called the “first” Minnesota resort community, is rich with tourism history and community spirit. Bill Foussard, Explore White Bear and the Best Western Country Inn, will lead an enthusiastic group of volunteers in planning the event.

In addition, the White Bear Lake Historical Society and the White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce have teamed up to organize the event planning. Many local organizations have already volunteered to be a part of the event. Congratulations to all of the White Bear Lake area!

Guidelines for submitting proposals to host the 2010 Governor’s Fishing Opener Event will be available in August 2008. For more information, contact:

Carol Altepeter, Event Coordinator
Carol.altepeter@state.mn.us
888-829-6466

Invite Fall Travelers through a Minnesota Explorer Ad
A display ad in the fall issue of the Minnesota Explorer newspaper, published by Explore Minnesota Tourism (EMT) in partnership with the Star Tribune, puts your message in the hands of more than 500,000 readers. The issue will be published in mid-August and distributed through November. Ad rates begin at $315 per column inch. Advertising is sold by the Star Tribune; space reservation deadline is July 10. Research conducted for EMT this spring found that those who received the Explorer planned trips based on the information it provided, including the display ads. For more information, see the attached (which was sent to the Minnesota tourism industry in late May) or call the Star Tribune sales rep at 800-829-8742, ext. 7014 or 612-673-7014.

Fall 08 Ad Sales Info

Tell People About Your Unique Specials and Deals
Many businesses and some community organizations are offering unique specials and deals related to changing travel concerns as an enticement to encourage visitors to travel to their destinations. But how do you let people know about them? Explore Minnesota Tourism has an excellent way for you to get your message to the traveling public. Deals. Minnesota tourism businesses and organizations can purchase “Deals” on www.exploreminnesota.com. It’s a special section on the web site that lists deals and specials offered by our advertisers who have purchased this feature.

People are out there looking for value for their vacations and getaways, and they are getting more spontaneous in their travel planning. The Deals section is a popular feature of our Web site for these savvy travelers.

It’s easy to use, and at only $300 per year, it’s a real bargain. To get more information, contact your regional sales representative. For the Southern and NorthCentral/West Regions, contact David Bergman at 888-563-7777 or david.bergman@state.mn.us. For the Twin Cities and Northeast Regions, contact Tim Campbell at 888-876-6784 or tim.campbell@state.mn.us.

Minnesota in the News
The following are some highlights of Minnesota coverage received in various media.

The May/June issue of Golf for Women included a splash of coverage preceding the U.S. Women’s Open Championship to be held here June 23-29, 2008. Writer Ashley Mayo’s “Double Your Fun,” tells about the history of the championship; “Beyond the Mall of America,” tells about culture, architecture, food and lodgings in the Twin Cities; and “Make a Play Date” lists some courses to play while in Minnesota for the championship. A sidebar “Great Unknowns” in the same issue by Detroit travel writer Sue Pollack includes Madden’s On Gull Lake.

The April issue of Saveur magazine contains a feature: “State Plates: Minnesota,” wherein Ten Regional Tastes such as rhubarb pie at Betty’s, ‘juicy lucy’ at Matt’s Bar; the Turtle Baking Company and the cheese curds at the Minnesota State Fair were showcased.

Stratos magazine, an internationally circulated publication for private pilots and jet owners, includes the Art in Bloom festival in Minneapolis in its monthly “Datebook.”

An April 20 story in the Sunday Chicago Sun Times, “Family Fun at Midwest summer lakeside retreats,” includes Lost Lake Lodge in Brainerd area.

Travel & Leisure’s “Smart Solutions” department carried “Europe in America,” in May, with ‘Land O’Scandinavia’ including the American Swedish Institute.

The May Good Housekeeping has “Vacations the Whole Family Can Love,” which includes ‘Helm a Houseboat’ in Voyageurs National Park and Voyagaire Houseboats.

The Financial Times of London’sU.S. edition published “A surprising art scene in Minneapolis.”

The April edition of Bassmaster magazine had writer Robert Montgomery’s story, “Bass on the Brainerd.”

Coastal Living’s April issue had “Artists Colonies,” with the Grand Marais Art Colony included.

Canadian Traveller’s (distributed to travel agents) March issue ran “Teed Off!..Golf In Minnesota is a Whole Lot More Than You Think,” which tells about the U.S. Women’s Open Championship as well as golf in the Twin Cities, Brainerd Lakes area, and Giants Ridge. The Mall of America gets coverage in the story as well.

New Intern to Update Technical Tours Guide
Welcome to Erika Greiner, the new Explore Minnesota Tourism marketing intern. Erika just finished her junior year at St. Olaf College in Northfield, majoring in English with concentrations in management and media studies. Erika’s priority project is updating the Minnesota Technical Tours Guide, which was last published in 2000. Over the summer, she will be reaching out to communities and businesses for tour opportunities and information throughout the state. The Guide is invaluable to tour companies and group tour coordinators as they look for unique opportunities for special interest groups. If you’ve received a request for tour information please return it to Erika by June 30th. Erika will work in the St. Paul office through August.

Travel Leadership Summit
The Travel Industry Association (TIA) Travel Leadership Summit is September 24-25 in Washington DC. This is an opportunity to visit with Minnesota’s Congressional delegation and/or their staff on tourism issues of importance to our industry. TIA also hosts a breakfast with congressional/political speakers and an issues briefing. Please contact Colleen Tollefson at colleen.tollefson@state.mn.us or 651-757-1872 if you are interested in participating.

Volunteer Opportunities for the RNC
An estimated 45,000 visitors will be in the Twin Cities from August 31 through September 5 for the Republican National Convention (RNC). The convention offers Minnesota a unique opportunity to showcase the state and the metro region to the nation and the world. The convention also provides the Minnesota tourism industry several unique ways to promote during the convention and for future travel.

Hospitality and tourism representatives are needed at Hospitality Desks to provide direction and answer questions for delegates and special convention guests. Desks are located at all of the state delegation hotels and those hosting special or honored guests to the convention. Airport greeters are also needed, especially on Saturday, August 30 and Sunday, August 31.

Another place where the tourism industry is exceptionally qualified to assist is at CivicFest, a remarkable exhibition that will transform the Minneapolis Convention Center into an entertaining and enlightening celebration of American history and early civics. There are several exhibits that highlight Minnesota history, individuality, and our great outdoors. Volunteers are needed to answer questions and help attendees get excited about what they can see or do on future visits to Minnesota!

Even though convention activities themselves may be partisan, at all other times delegates and guests are just like every other visitor to our area, looking for “what to do” and “where to go” to make their time in our state a great experience. To help out at the hotel Hospitality Desks or airport go to www.msp2008.com/volunteers and fill out the registration form. As the referral source, use “Minnesota Convention & Visitor Bureau.” The deadline for signing up is June 30. If you are interested in helping out at CivicFest go to www.civicfest.org and click on the “volunteer” link. For more information or questions contact Gayle Junnila, 651/757-1852 or gayle.junnila@state.mn.us . Let’s show the world that “Minnesota Nice” is more than a nickname!

Carlson Chair Provides Financial Support for Tourism Education and Research
Need research done or have ideas for tourism educational programs? Then request financial support for the Carlson Chair in Travel, Tourism & Hospitality from the University of Minnesota’s Tourism Center. The Chair fund provides dollars for travel, tourism and hospitality-related education or research projects in Minnesota (not marketing–see Explore Minnesota Tourism for marketing resources industry.exploreminnesota.com/grants/partnership-grants/). Individuals and/or non-profit organizations can apply for project support. Applications are due 12:00 pm, Friday, October 3, 2008. Questions? See www.tourism.umn.edu/about/carlsonchair.html for more details or contact tourism@umn.edu or 612-624-4947.

Redwood Area Chamber and Tourism Hires New Director
The Redwood Area Chamber and Tourism (Redwood Falls) recently announced the hiring of their new director, Jean Hallberg. Jean is replacing Beth Anderson who moved to Tennessee. Stop by the Redwood Falls office and welcome Jean to the southern Minnesota tourism family when you get a chance, or give her a call. Welcome on board Jean!

National Boy Scout Jamboree Relocates
The National Boy Scout Jamboree has to relocate off of the military base in Fort AP Hill Virginia and will be searching for a new home. They see about 55,000 people for the seven day event which is held every four years. Copies of the RFP are available from MSC by contacting Mark Sweeney or Kimberly Williams toll-free at 866-672-4255, or by visiting the Web site at http://www.mccallumsweeney.com/contact.shtml.

Eco Experience Opportunity
The Eco Experience exhibit at the Progress Center of the Minnesota State Fair seeks to (1) present products, services, information and other resources that promote healthier, more sustainable consumption and lifestyles, as well as to (2) educate attendees about the environmental and social impacts of consumer actions and choices currently in widespread use.

Based on those goals, the Eco Experience is seeking presenters/entertainers to give educational demonstrations or performances on the Sustainability Stage. The stage will be 16×12 and audio visual capability will be available. The shows are scheduled for forty minutes, designating twenty minutes for the demonstration, and twenty minutes for the presenter to answer questions. Entertainers may use all forty minutes for performances.

Sustainability Stage Criteria
Presenter/Entertainers will be ranked according to how well they meet the following criteria:

  • Educational value
  • Environmental sustainability
  • Degree of innovation / uniqueness

For more information:
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Attn: Kayla Job, Public Information
520 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155-4194
Phone: 651-296-6549 Fax: 651-297-8687 e-mail: kayla.job@pca.state.mn.us

If you’ve received this newsletter from a friend and wish to subscribe yourself please subscribe at EMT Express Subscriptions.

If you have an article you wish to submit for consideration, please contact: Colleen Tollefson,
651/757-1872, 800/657-3637.

Posted: June 18th, 2008

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