Explore Minnesota Tourism currently has two internal, non-commissioned staff who will continue to sell advertising in these products, and will provide supervision to the sales representative. The vendor will coordinate sales contacts with EMT sales representatives to avoid overlap.

Explore Minnesota Tourism will:

• Provide guidelines for appropriate targets for new customers.
• Determine items for sale and set prices.
• Provide sales materials, including sales flyers and contracts for the Minnesota Travel Guide and exploreminnesota.com.
• Provide up to date information on inventory availability.
• Pay commission to sales person on a monthly basis for paid contracts, upon invoicing by the vendor.
• Provide payment reports to vendor.
• Provide technical assistance to customers.

The vendor will be expected to:

• Sell to only new advertisers not reserved by EMT.
• Sell within established sales limits.
• Provide a prospect list to EMT. Upon approval, EMT will not approach those customers.
• Provide a sales plan to EMT.
• Track advertising sales, and submit reports to Explore Minnesota Tourism.
• Track revenue collected and report to EMT.
• Report to and communicate regularly with the EMT Ad Sales Coordinator.
• Provide excellent customer service to Explore Minnesota Tourism’s customers.

Explore Minnesota Tourism will not pay any expenses to the vendor. This contract would run from June 15, 2008, or when a contract is fully executed, whichever comes later, through May 15, 2009, and may be terminated early if desired by either party. Ad sales by EMT will have begun prior to the contract being executed. The sales deadline for the Travel Guide is August 15, 2008. Ad sales for the web site are ongoing year-round.

If interested, please submit a written proposal to: Tim Campbell Explore Minnesota Tourism, 320 W. 2nd St., Ste 707, Duluth, MN 55802 by Friday, June 6, 2008. Questions may also be addressed to his e-mail, tim.campbell@state.mn.us or by phone at 218-723-4692.

Proposal must include:

• Complete contact information for the vendor and any proposed employees or subcontractors of the vendor.
• Expected revenue raised by sales broken down by Travel Guide and web site (www.exploreminnesota.com).
• Percentage of commission expected from sales broken down by Travel Guide and web site.
• Disclosure of current sales products or other companies or agencies for which the vendor engages in sales activities.
• Describe experience in print and online advertising sales. If the vendor proposes to use any third parties (e.g., employees or subcontractors), provide this information for each of them.
• Describe experience in tourism. If the vendor proposes to use any third parties (e.g., employees or subcontractors), provide this information for each of them.

Attachments - current sales flyers for Web and Travel Guide, including outline of Web/Travel Guide packages

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

• National Tourism Week
• Canadian Coop Advertising
• St. Paul Pioneer Press/TwinCities.com Coop Advertising
• Get the Word Out!
• 2009 Partnership Grant Program Changes
• Electronic Marketing Tip
• Greening Your Property for the RNC & Beyond
• Minnesota Homegrown Cookbook Showcases Local Fare
• Agritourism Opportunity

National Tourism Week
Join hundreds of cities, states and businesses nationwide in the annual salute to travel and tourism in America, during National Tourism Week, May 10-18, 2008. National Tourism Week is organized by the Travel Industry Association (TIA) as a collective effort to promote the power of travel through awareness efforts in communities nationwide. The goal is to enhance the country’s economy, security and perception, and recognize the cultural and social benefits created by travel and tourism.

Resources for your National Tourism Week efforts include: “Minnesota Tourism and the Economy” a brochure outlining the economic impact of leisure and hospitality in Minnesota at the county level. To order brochures, contact Jan Edstrom at jan.edstrom@state.mn.us or download a .pdf of this brochure at http://www.mntourism.org.

TIA has created a first-of-its-kind, interactive Web site that details the economic power of travel. PowerofTravel.org presents all of the available economic impact data on travel in an easy-to-navigate format that enables the user to see the benefits of travel from the international level down to individual congressional districts.

Please use these resources to help Minnesota’s leaders understand that travel is a vital economic engine that powers job creation and growth. Our industry is one of America’s largest exports and is one of the largest employers in every state and congressional district–it is among the top 10 industries in 49 of the 50 United States. Travel and related services account for one out of every eight non-farm U.S. jobs, $1.6 trillion in economic activity or nearly three percent of U.S. gross domestic product (GDP).

Canadian Coop Advertising
The Chronicle Journal - Thunder Bay is offering the Minnesota tourism industry special rates for the Explore Minnesota Tourism cooperative advertising section in the Tuesday and Thursday editions beginning the third Tuesday of May for 12 weeks. Ad rates begin at $100 CN per week. Contact Mike Cornell - mcornell@chroniclejournal.com or 807/343-6266 for details and ad space reservations.

St. Paul Pioneer Press/TwinCities.com Coop Advertising
The e-mail newsletter, Travel Deals, reaches 15,000+ opt-in subscribers. Coop advertisers receive a special rate of $140 per advertiser with a minimum of six advertisers. Each e-mail blast has an Explore Minnesota Tourism banner. Contact: Valerie Jones - vjones@pioneerpress.com or call 651/228-5327 for details and space reservations.

Get the Word Out!
Looking for a cost-effective way to get your news out? If you’re in the Minneapolis Saint Paul metropolitan area, freepressagent.com will display your press release for free for a week.

2009 Partnership Grant Program Changes
Explore Minnesota Tourism is soliciting feedback on proposed changes to the 2009 Partnership Grant guidelines and the Innovative Marketing Grant guidelines. For a list of the suggested changes go to: industry.exploreminnesota.com/grants/partnership-grants/. Minnesota tourism industry will have the opportunity to make comments until Monday, May 19, 2008. Responses will be compiled and presented to the Tourism Council for final approval. Comments should be directed to Gayle Junnila, 651/296-5205 or gayle.junnila@state.mn.us.

Electronic Marketing Tip

Greening Your Property for the RNC & Beyond
Tuesday, May 13, 2008: Crowne Plaza St. Paul Riverfront, St. Paul

GreenGatherings group (Ramsey County, City of St. Paul, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and the Environmental Protection Agency Region 5) is partnering with Hospitality Minnesota (Minnesota Restaurant, Lodging and Resort & Campground Associations) to put on a green hotel/restaurant workshop on Tuesday, May 13th at the Crown Plaza Hotel in St. Paul. The workshop will feature local and national speakers and provide practical, interactive sessions on “greening” businesses in the hotel/restaurant sector.

For more information, Contact Ashley Folsom, Education & Events Manager, Minnesota’s Restaurant, Lodging and Resort & Campground Associations at
651/778-2400.

Greening Brochure

Minnesota Homegrown Cookbook Showcases Local Fare
The spotlight shines on Minnesota cuisine in the latest Renewing the Countryside book release: “The Minnesota Homegrown Cookbook,” now available through the RTC online store and at bookstores throughout Minnesota. This vibrant coffee-table quality book celebrates Minnesota’s dedication to fresh and locally grown ingredients with 100 recipes from 38 of the state’s outstanding chefs and restaurants committed to farm fresh, organic and sustainable cookery.

Agritourism Opportunity
Renewing the Countryside has launched a two-month process with diverse participants from around the state to move agritourism forward in Minnesota. The goal is to identify resources and information that can support a grassroots movement. Participants include farmers, academics, green tourism, nonprofits, business owners, entrepreneurs, Native farmers and more. This is an addition to agritourism efforts already happening in the state to strengthen an inclusive agritourism community that can help strengthen and support efforts here in our home state.

For more information please contact Deborah McLaren, cell 651/983-9880 or e-mail Deborah@rtcinfo.org

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,
651/297-2635, 800/657-3637.

Deadline for event submission is May 16, 2008.

These events are used by the public for assistance in planning their travels throughout Minnesota. Once an event is submitted either through the extranet website or on paper it can appear in many places:

• ExploreMinnesota.com
• Minnesota Explorer
• Journey printouts put together by our travel counselors
• Explore Minnesota Events Report (weekly via email)

Please note: All events must either be updated/added through the extranet, or on a event survey form. Emails or press releases announcing an event are not accepted.

If you have any questions, please email us at Tourism@state.mn.us.

2009 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference RFP
2009 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference RFP

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

• March Inquiries
• EMT Website Wins Awards
• New Scenic Drives Section of exploreminnesota.com
• Group Tour Sales Mission - Two Spaces Remain!
• 2008 Heartland Travel Showcase Leads
• Family Motor Coach Association Convention in Saint Paul
• New Tourism Industry Blog from Explore Minnesota Tourism
• Deleting of Events Now Available Through Extranet
• Electronic Marketing Tip
• Opportunity Available to Assist Travel Writer
• Winter Partnership Grant Applications Due May 1
• 2009 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference
• SMTA to Hold Meeting and Seminars in Montevideo
• Red Wing Honored for Historic Preservation
• Tourism Industry Benefits from Tax Rebates

March Inquiries

EMT Website Wins Awards
Both the Explore Minnesota Web site and the My Favorite Minnesota microsite have been selected as Official Honorees in the 12th Annual Webby Awards, regarded as one of the most important digital competitions.

The Official Honoree distinction is awarded to work that scores in the top 15% of all work entered into the Webby Awards. Hailed as the “Oscars of the Internet” by the New York Times, the Webby Awards are the leading international awards honoring excellence on the Internet, including Web sites, interactive advertising, online film & video, and mobile Web sites. Established in 1996, the 12th Annual Webby Awards received nearly 10,000 entries from all 50 states and over 60 countries worldwide. The Webby Awards is presented by The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences.

Our listing on the Webby site is:
http://www.webbyawards.com/webbys/current_honorees.php?media_id=96&category_id=66&season=12

New Scenic Drives Section of exploreminnesota.com
We have recently upgraded the scenic drives section of our Web site (www.exploreminnesota.com/experiences/byways/index.aspx). This section includes expanded mapping capabilities that allow consumers to find places to stay and things to do near scenic drives; new search by city and feature capabilities and audio which consumers can listen to online or download. In addition, consumers can now find scenic drives near attractions, events and lodging by using the mapping features on individual business’ listings on exploreminnesota.com.

Group Tour Sales Mission - Two Spaces Remain!
On May 7-9, 2008 promote your destination, attraction, or property in person to approximately 15-20 qualified tour operators, travel agents, and bank leaders in central and eastern Wisconsin. Proven to be a successful return on investment, these visits allow quality time with product developers who are always looking for new ideas and tour experiences for their itineraries.

Cost is $200, which covers one rep per company and includes transportation, promotional gifts and any hosted event. Lodging and meals are not included but will be very affordable. Limited to 10 participants. Contact Mary Ann Steen, Group Tour Marketing, maryann.steen@state.mn.us, 651-215-1213, or 800-657-3600.

2008 Heartland Travel Showcase Leads
Leads from this event held in Milwaukee, March 9-12, 2008, are now available on Explore Minnesota’s industry Web site, www.industry.exploreminnesota.com, under Travel Trade Marketing. Minnesota was proudly represented by the participation of destination and lodging representatives statewide at North America’s largest regional motorcoach marketplace. More than 75 US operators were available for appointments. Added value was the Showcase Educational Conference packed with industry speakers and interactive discussions.

Join us for the next Heartland Travel Showcase in Pittsburgh, PA February 20-29, 2009! Contact: Mary Ann Steen, maryann.steen@state.mn.us, 651-215-1213 or 800-657-3600.

Family Motor Coach Association Convention in Saint Paul
An opportunity to market to the growing RV market is available in the Explore Minnesota Tourism booth at the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) International Convention in Saint Paul July 14-17, 2008.

As many as 5,000 RVs from all over the U.S. are expected at this FMCA convention. Many of the attendees stay in the area after the convention both on their own and at various group rallies. This is also an opportunity to showcase our “RV-friendly” facilities and many activities to an important travel market. For more information on FMCA go to www.fmca.com.

The program is similar to other sport shows - communities may provide brochures for distribution at no cost if staff is provided for one shift at the booth. Exhibitor hours are 10:30 a.m - 7:00 p.m. Monday and 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Full day shifts are required. Cost for distribution without staffing is $.30/brochure. For more information or to sign up for the show contact Gayle Junnila, 651-296-5205 or email at gayle.junnila@state.mn.us

New Tourism Industry Blog from Explore Minnesota Tourism
The Minnesota Tourism industry now has the opportunity to share ideas on Explore Minnesota Tourism’s Blog. The Blog is a new part of the industry Web site.

Our moderator has posted the question, “What do you feel is the outlook for Minnesota travel this summer?” Comment, see others’ response, or pose a question of your own! It’s simple and gives you an easy way to communicate with Explore Minnesota Tourism and the Minnesota Tourism industry on current issues.

Deleting of Events Now Available Through Extranet
The Explore Minnesota Extranet Web site now features the ability to delete an event! Please throw away your old instructions and read on.

Listings can be entered or updated directly by tourism businesses and organizations online at www.extranet.exploreminnesota.com. The Explore Minnesota database is the information source for the Journey travel planning service and for exploreminnesota.com. For more information, contact Kim Fitzgerald at kim.fitzgerald@state.mn.us.

2009 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference
The formal Request for Proposal (RFP) for the 2009 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference is now available. The 2009 conference will focus on the long-term future and will encourage participation from policy makers, including legislators. The conference will be held in the Minneapolis Saint Paul area - bid requirements are that the host facility be within 25 miles of the Explore Minnesota Tourism office.

The conference dates are January 27-29, 2009. Responses are due Wednesday, April 30 at 1:00 p.m. To obtain a copy of the RFP or for further questions contact Gayle Junnila at 651-296-5205 or email at gayle.junnila@state.mn.us

SMTA to Hold Meeting and Seminars in Montevideo
The Southern Minnesota Tourism Association (SMTA) will hold their May meeting on Thursday, May 15 at the Chippewa County Courthouse in Montevideo. Kent Gustafson of the University of Minnesota Tourism Center will present "Wine Tourism in The Region" and Heather Ulrich-Glynn will present "Wrong/Misleading Information on the Internet - How to Clear it up."

The meeting is open to the public. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Registration fee is $10 and includes lunch. To RSVP, call 888-975-6766 by May 9, 2008.

Red Wing Honored for Historic Preservation
Red Wing is one of 12 towns recently named as a "Distinctive Destination" in the U.S. by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Trust issues an annual list to honor cities for their commitment to historic preservation and community revitalization. Red Wing is noteworthy for its bounty of beautifully restored commercial and residential architecture dating back to the 1850s.

Tourism Industry Benefits from Tax Rebates
According to a study by the Tourism Institute at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, many of the tax rebates will be spent on summer or fall travel. Citing reasons from timing of rebates to the need for rewards and escapes, the study suggests that increased spending on travel will boost the U.S. economy. For a copy of the full report, go to http://web.utk.edu/~tourism/index.shtml and click on Research Publications.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Davis, UT media relations at 865/974-5179 or elizabeth.davis@tennessee.edu.

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,
651/297-2635, 800/657-3637.

Home page - some good feedback; some things to consider

• good: clearly labeled photography; potential improvement: links to more info
• good: events listed on home page; potential improvement: actual calendar on home page
• potential improvement: replace current photo display with user-controlled rotating photos
• potential improvement: more actual content on the home page, which links directly to more info
• potential improvement: highlight deals more clearly on home page
• potential improvement: redesign of My Favorite Minnesota icon (users don’t get it)
• potential improvement: redesign FMAs so they don’t appear to be advertising

Navigation - good: drop down menus with simple terminology

Content

• potential improvement: Maps with regional breakdowns recommended - major cities and attractions should be tied to mapping
• potential improvement: list most popular destinations near top of search results (as opposed to random or alphabetical results)
• potential improvement: ways for users to integrate points of interest into trips
• potential improvement: more photography on listings
• potential improvement: streamlined “advanced search” (too many options for users)
• potential improvement: increase text size; change to standard color (black); avoid colored background
• Keep terminology simple

My Favorite Minnesota

• biographies are important to users to tell them who is making recommendations

The full report is attached as a .pdf   Web site user research report 

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

• Welcome Canadians Initiative Developed
• Affiliate Travel Information Center Applications Sought
• ExploreMinnesota.com Traffic
• Fall Getaways for Women
• Bottom-line Solutions
• Impact of Golf
• National Tourism Week Media Event
• AOL Travel Promotion
• Minnesota in the Media
• Final Rule Implementing WHTI Announced

Welcome Canadians Initiative Developed

Communities along the Highway 59 Corridor in Northwestern Minnesota have developed programming to welcome Canadians to Minnesota. A sampling of recent statistics indicates:

• According to Travelocity.ca’s recent Travel Forecast Poll for 2008, 57 percent of Canadians are planning a trip to the United States; it’s the most popular destination in 2008.
• A recent Investors Group survey found that 44 percent of Canadians plan to take more vacations outside of Canada because of the increasing value of the Canadian dollar, while 41 percent said they will be able to stay away for a longer time on vacations.

To address this growing segment, Detroit Lakes, Fergus Falls, Thief River Falls and other Northwestern Minnesota communities have recreated welcome signage originally developed by Explore Minnesota Tourism in the form of banners, window clings and posters. The communities have also held educational seminars to familiarize communities and businesses with this growing travel market. For more information, contact Dave Bergman at 888/563-7777, 218/681-0997 or david.bergman@state.mn.us.

Affiliate Travel Information Center Applications Sought

To increase our distribution of quality services and materials to the traveling public, Explore Minnesota Tourism is expanding the Affiliate Travel Information Center Program. The program is designed to provide standardized information for “on the road” travelers and increase the economic benefits to the state and its communities. Benefits to communities include access to state maps, use of the Explore Minnesota Tourism logo in signing and incorporating Explore Minnesota Affiliate Travel Information Centerlocations on Explore Minnesota Tourism publications and Website to increase visitor awareness. Agreements will be based on services, with no financial payments.

The application deadline is June 9, 2008, with the program scheduled to begin January 1, 2009. The new sites will be added to the existing thirty-eight. Potential applicants will be competitively rated on items like parking, storage space, hours of operation and access to restrooms. Non-profit tourism promotion organizations interested in participation should contact David Bergman, or your Regional Manager for additional information regarding this opportunity.

David Bergman 888/563-7777

Carol Altepeter -Brainerd Regional Office 888/629-6466

Tim Campbell - Duluth Regional Office 888/876-6784

Dave Vogel - Mankato Regional Office 888/975-6766

Gayle Junnila - St. Paul Regional Office 800/657-3637

ExploreMinnesota.com Traffic

Following is a weekly update from Google Analytics of traffic to the exploreminnesota.com website, and comparing the most recent week to the previous week. The attached report compares March 17-23 to March 24-30. Highlights:

• Visits were up 21%
• Direct visits were up 17.95%
• Visits to www.exploreminnesota.com/lodging/resorts/index.aspx were up 26.93%
• Persons searching on the keyword “explore Minnesota” was up 43.92%

Fall Getaways for Women

Is your community or lodging property offering “girls’ getaway” packages or special weekends for women this fall? The Minnesota Explorer editor is looking for information for a potential article. A survey done for AAA found that one-fourth of American women have taken a girlfriend getaway. Several Minnesota businesses have targeted this market with special packages. If you have information on specific getaway packages for women being offered for fall ‘08 (including a contact name & email address), please send it via e-mail to joan.hummel@state.mn.us .

Bottom-line Solutions

More than half of all U.S. adults say they would be more likely to select a hotel, airline, or rental car that uses more environmentally friendly products and processes, according to the Travel Industry Association (TIA). Additionally, eight out of ten (78 percent) U.S. adults consider themselves “environmentally conscious.” (TIA 2007)

How can you meet their needs and improve your bottom-line? Attend the Sustainable Tourism Conference on April 15 at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC) in Duluth and learn from regional tourism organizations how they are already doing just that! Conference includes a resource fair, keynote by business guru Joel Makower and educational sessions. Full details now online! Gain practical ideas and concrete actions to take home and apply.

April 15 - a day filled with bottom-line ideas and actions for your business. Don’t miss it…Register TODAY at www.umn.edu.

Impact of Golf

The Minnesota Golf Association, in cooperation with all Minnesota allied golf associations, has recently completed an extensive study of golf and its impact on the Minnesota economy.

• Golf is a $2.4 billion industry
• Golf creates 34,653 golf-related jobs
• Golf generates $361 million in tourism spending

National Tourism Week Media Event

For the second year, the Metro Committee is planning a media event to publicize the economic impact of tourism in the Metro Region during National Tourism Week in May. Since this year is also Minnesota’s Sesquicentennial, the focus of the program will be metro tourism through the decades. The event is being held at Mall of America on Wednesday, May 14 at 11:00 am in the Rotunda.

In addition to the program, metro convention and visitor bureaus are also contributing current tourism-related items to be placed in a “Time Capsule” that will be put together at the end of the event.

Though the focus is to draw media to the celebration, the tourism industry is welcome to attend the festivities. For more information and to RSVP for the event, contact Gayle Junnila, 651/296-5205 or gayle.junniila@state.mn.us.

AOL Travel Promotion

AOL Travel will salute travel and tourism in America during National Tourism Week and is inviting the travel industry to join the promotion with reciprocal links and editorial opportunities. There is no cost to be involved and your message and link can be seen by millions of AOL users over the course of the promotion.

Questions on the AOL Promotion?

Contact AOL Travel at TourismWeek@AOL.com

Minnesota in the Media

Good Morning America, one of the nation’s premier network news programs, featured Ely in its “Weekend Window” segment on Sunday, March 2. The program spotlighted Ely’s dogsled tourism and was filmed at Wintergreen Dogsled Lodge.

The Highlands Today, Sunday, February 3 featured “Going to the Extreme,” a feature about six days of canoeing and camping in the BWCA. The item also appeared in the Waynesboro, VA News Virginian on the same day.

In the April issue of Outdoor Life magazine, Bemidji was selected as #19 on a Best Places to Live list. This month’s Country Home magazine also cited St. Cloud as #15 and Minneapolis Metro as #8 on its Top 25 Places to Live list.

The April National Geographic Traveler published “The Stay List - Hotel’s you’ll Love….A Celebration of Place,” in which Lutsen Resort and the Water Street Inn, Stillwater, were included. The same issue’s “Luxury Lockdown” included The Old Jail B&B, Taylors Falls; and the “Great River Road Trip” highlighted neat stuff along the GRR in Minnesota.

The Milwaukee Sunday Sentinel ran a story “The Guthrie’s Next Act,’ on March 9 that told about the new theater and its offerings.

Bonita Living’s March issue (Naples, FL) featured a cover story, “Northern Getaways with Photo Images,” which depicted Minnesota’s beauty. The magazine is published by the Art League of Bonita Springs.

The February 10 Chicago Sun Times had a feature, “Minnesota’s North Shore is a winter playground,” which was picked up and published in the Willoughby, OH News-Herald. The following week included a color photo and travel section cover story about Nye’s Polonaise in Minneapolis.

The Orlando Tribune’s Sunday, March 16 issue had “From Flour to Flower,” about Minneapolis “blooming urban success story.”

Trailer Life’s April issue features “This Land: Voyageurs National Park,” telling about activities and nature that unfolds in the national park.

The February 29 New York Times‘ Escapes section ran “A Glide Along the Gunflint Trail.”

The February issue of What’s Up? Annapolis featured fishing in northern Minnesota in a color story, “Land of 10,000 Lakes: Perfect for a Fishing Adventure.”

Final Rule Implementing WHTI Announced

Recently, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State announced the final rule for the land and sea portion of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). The WHTI final rule requires travelers to present a passport or other approved, secure document denoting citizenship and identity for all land and sea travel into the United States. WHTI establishes document requirements for travelers entering the United States who were previously exempt, including citizens of the U.S., Canada and Bermuda. These document requirements will be effective June 1, 2009.

Specific questions about the final rule should be addressed to Margaret Virginia Williamson of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection at DHS, 202/344-1574 or margaret.williamson@dhs.gov. Other information on documentation requirements may be found at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/ready_set_go. For general information on WHTI or other travel-related programs, please visit www.dhs.gov or www.travel.state.gov.

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,

651/297-2635, 800/657-3637.

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

• Explore Minnesota Launches Major New Partnership Promotion
• 2008 Attractions Survey
• Are your Arts Events and Attractions in our Database?
• Where in the World is your Business?
• Travel Packages: FREE Exposure Opportunity
• Group Tour & Package Travel Sales Mission
• Lodging Managers Survey
• Festivals Forum - April 9, 2008
• Stepping Up to Sustainability Conference – April 15, 2008
• Minnesota Heartland Plans Spring Meeting in Wadena
• Work & Travel USA Offers Seasonal Help
• CERTs Technical Assistance for Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Project
• AmericaTheBeautiful.com Launches “ee America” Celebrating People, Places and Patriotism in America
• Grand Marais And Lutsen, Minnesota

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,
651/297-2635, 800/657-3637.

We will be partnering with several Minnesota businesses to drive inquiries, increase on line and industry traffic, and expand the promotion of travel to the state. Prizes include: hybrid automobiles, ATV’s and snowmobiles, mountain bikes, golf equipment, attraction tickets, gift cards, and destination getaways.

The Luther Auto Group, Dairy Queen, Arctic Cat, Erik’s Bikes & Boards and Golf Galaxy are just some of the well know Minnesota companies that are partnering with us on this promotion. They are lending media support, in-store promotion, and prizes throughout the duration of this three season promotion.

The first seasonal promotion - “Summer of Fun” - begins April 7 and runs through June 30. Media tactics include television, radio, print advertising, direct mail, video banner ads, electronic marketing, e-mail blasts to consumers, brochure distribution and in-store promotions. Prizes will be awarded weekly, with the “Summer of Fun” grand prize - a two year lease on a Toyota Pruis Hybrid automobile, courtesy of Luther Auto Group. A Ford Escape Hybrid is slated as the fall grand prize.

“Explore Minnesota Tourism is encouraged to increase partnerships and match to increase exposure and promotion of the Explore Minnesota brand,” says Director John Edman. “While we are able to generate nearly $5 million in match each year, this is by far the most exciting marketing partnership promotion we have ever done.”

The “Summer of Fun” promotion will be followed by an “Autumn of Fun” promotion in August & September and a “Winter of Fun” promotion in January & February 2009. All tactics will drive consumers to www.ExploreMinnesota.com to register. Stay tuned as more details on this exciting promotion are announced throughout the year.

During the week of March 17th, hard copy surveys were mailed to those attractions who have not yet updated in 2008. If you have not updated your listing and have not received your paper survey, please contact Kim Fitzgerald at kim.fitzgerald@state.mn.us so that the information can be resent to you.

Minnesota tourism businesses can post qualifying travel packages on www.exploreminnesota.com/lodging/deals/index.aspx. The next round of packages will be focused on the May 1 - October 31, 2008, season.

In the 2008 summer season, we will also be offering an extra section to focus exclusively on golf packages. It’s an ideal way for resorts to highlight their on-property course offerings. We also welcome offerings from other lodging participants that feature a golf course experience in a travel package. Submit your golf packages right away, as we have a chance to promote them in early April on the WCCO.com website. Golf package validity can be whenever you are opening your course - as early as April 1, 2008.

And just a reminder that your packages can now offer a one-night stay, as well as two or more nights. You’ll find full details and a document for submitting offers, at our Tourism Industry site: industry.exploreminnesota.com/trade-marketing/tt-advertising.