Latest news with #ExploreMinnesota
CBS News
6 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
Trump's trade war could have major impact on Minnesota's summer tourism
Hospitality and tourism are a vital part of Minnesota's economy, but there's fear tariffs will take a toll as the state heads into its busy season. Between now and Labor Day, hospitality and tourism typically bring in more than $24 billion to the state each year. A large portion of that impact comes from international travelers, but with an ongoing trade war, there's fear that could change. According to Explore Minnesota, more than 567,000 international tourists visited the state in 2023, spending a little over half a billion dollars. The agency was forecasting 700,000 international visitors this year, but that's looking less likely because Canadian tourism into the U.S. is down. More than half of Minnesota's international tourists are from Canada. Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar is concerned with this shift and met with Canada's prime minister recently in a bipartisan effort to change trends. "Our message to the Canadians is we love you, we want you to come to our country, we understand why you're pissed off, we're pissed off, too, and however we want to work this out," Klobuchar said. "We're going to continue to work on this and hope to come to an agreement in the next few weeks. Otherwise we're going to have a tough tourism season." Klobuchar added the state is seeing a 70% dropoff in canceled vacations, particularly in northern Minnesota. Border crossings from Canada are down 18%. The 25% tariff on Canadian goods remains in place, as does Canada's reciprocal tariff on the U.S.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Woodbury launches a new visitors bureau and website
What does Woodbury have to offer? Trails, parks and scenic views for lovers of the outdoors, restaurants for the foodies and 'phone eats first' Instagram crew, energizing attractions for adrenaline junkies, local businesses and, best of all, community, according to Eric Satre, marketing manager for the city's new visitors bureau, Destination Woodbury. 'We know Woodbury is a welcoming city and we know it's a great place to visit,' Satre said. Destination Woodbury, a city-funded destination marketing organization, launches Saturday at the Woodbury Community Expo. There, Satre will unveil the brand's new website, parks and trails map and host live demonstrations of what the site has to offer. 'We'll provide itineraries, things to do and places to stay,' Satre said. 'It's really just a one-stop shop for visitor resources.' The idea for the tourist bureau has been in the works for several years, Satre said. As the city continues to grow and develop, with locations like Central Park re-opening in the fall, and businesses like Top Golf and Main Event opening later in the year, 'now seemed to be the right time,' he said. Satre, whose position is funded by Woodbury's hotel lodging tax, has been in the tourism business for 18 years, having previously worked with Visit St. Paul and Visit Inver Grove Heights. Explore Minnesota lists dozens of cities and regions that have their own visitor information websites, similar to Destination Woodbury. But while the main purpose of Destination Woodbury is to attract visitors outside of the 50-mile radius, it's also meant for Woodbury residents looking to discover new attractions and book venues for special events like weddings and family reunions, Satre said. The organization also promotes local businesses by providing them a platform to share their stories, he said. 'The community in Woodbury is growing and developing and I feel like Destination Woodbury can grow alongside of it,' Satre said. Woodbury is a prime spot for visitors, Satre said, as Interstate 94 connects it to the city of St. Paul and travelers can now use Metro Transit's new Bus Rapid Transit route, the Gold Line, to explore. 'We have a great location here for visitors whether they're staying in Woodbury or maybe they want to make it their home base and go to a concert in downtown St. Paul, a game or the St. Croix River Valley,' Satre said. As of now, Destination Woodbury is only a website, but will open as a visitor's desk in Woodbury Central Park this summer, according to Satre. 'Guests can come and ask questions about what there is to do, places to go, local restaurants and so forth,' Satre said. Satre said the organization will help streamline the messaging of what Woodbury has to offer. 'My vision is to to launch the brand and the website in year one, then grow it from there,' Satre said. 'I mean, this is really just the beginning, which is very exciting.' For more information visit To submit a business, attraction, or event for consideration, contact info@ Judge dismisses former Washington County deputy's sexual-harassment lawsuit Four Stillwater teachers suspended for cheating on training program Stillwater schools make leadership changes Woodbury attorney disbarred after being convicted of swindling client Charges: Woodbury HS student had replica gun in backpack, ran from school What: More than 150 business and organizations offer promotional booths, hosted by the Woodbury Chamber of Commerce. Live entertainment, a kids area, vehicle fair and food will also be available. When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 5 Where: Woodbury High School, 2665 Woodlane Drive Cost: Free admission. Info: Visit for more details.
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Outdoors Notebook: New bowhunters organization launches in Minnesota
Feb. 8—GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. — A new nonprofit dedicated to promoting bowhunting and archery in Minnesota has launched. With the goal of creating a thriving, inclusive community for bowhunters throughout Minnesota, Minnesota Bowhunters (MNBOW) aims to bring fresh energy and innovation to the sport while protecting the rights of bowhunters across the state, the organization said in a news release. Based in Grand Rapids, MNBOW is not associated with the old defunct bowhunting group from Minnesota (MBI) and has a distinct mission. The organization plans to support archery school programs, archery clubs and the archery industry across Minnesota. MNBOW will feature a small, dedicated group of directors alongside a large and diverse group of "Member Advisors" who will help steer the organization's direction and ensure the voices of the broader bowhunting community are heard. "MNBOW will be a 'pro' group, not an 'anti' group," Jim Cochran, one of the organization's directors, said in a statement. "We're here to work collaboratively to promote bowhunting and support everyone involved in the archery community. Our mission is to advocate for bowhunters and create a positive, forward-thinking environment." For more information, contact Cochran at info@ — staff report BISMARCK — The next North Dakota guide and outfitter written examination is set for 1 p.m. April 5 at the Game and Fish Department office in Bismarck. Preregistration is required no later than March 28 by calling the department's enforcement office at (701) 328-6604. In addition to passing a written exam, qualifications for becoming a guide include a background check for criminal and game and fish violations, certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and standard first aid, and employment by or contract with a licensed hunting outfitter. Hunting outfitter eligibility requirements include the guide qualifications, and an individual must have held a hunting guide license for two years and must have proof of liability insurance. — staff report A new University of Minnesota Extension study reveals ATV riders contributed $36.1 million to northeastern Minnesota's economy in 2023, specifically benefiting St. Louis, Lake, and Koochiching Counties, Explore Minnesota said this week. The report, presented by the Northeastern ATV Joint Powers Board in January 2025, highlights how ATV tourism has become a major economic driver, supporting hundreds of jobs across various sectors including hospitality, retail and trail maintenance, with local businesses reporting significant increases in revenue, particularly during spring and fall seasons. — staff report ST. PAUL — The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) has issued its 2026 Request for Proposal (RFP) for funding from Minnesota's Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF), Explore Minnesota reported in its Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership update. Approximately $103 million from the lottery-generated funding is available for projects that aim to protect, conserve, preserve and enhance Minnesota's air, water, land, fish, wildlife and other natural resources. The LCCMR is requesting proposals to address updated funding priorities that were established in 2024 following adoption of a new strategic plan. Anyone with a project idea consistent with these priorities may submit a proposal. Priorities fall within the following categories: Resiliency, Water, Education and Outdoor Recreation, Fish and Wildlife, Energy, Land and Small Projects. The 2026 RFP contains an explanation of the LCCMR's proposal and funding process and instructions for submitting a proposal online. Applicants must submit proposals through the LCCMR's online proposal and grant management system. Early submissions are encouraged. — staff report TORONTO — As political and economic uncertainty continues to shape the Canada-U.S. relationship, the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario remains steadfast in advocating for Ontario's tourism sector, the organization said in a news release. With the U.S. market accounting for 22% of tourism spending in the province, cross-border travel and trade remain essential to the industry's health. According to results from a U.S. Markets and Tariff Survey the tourism group conducted, tourism in northwestern Ontario, the part of the province that borders Minnesota, remains below pre-pandemic levels. U.S. travelers historically account for for 80% of tourism receipts in northwestern Ontario. "The Ontario tourism industry is at a critical juncture," Andrew Siegwart, president and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario, said in a statement. "We must take decisive action to protect our operators, foster economic growth and ensure Ontario remains a premier destination for domestic, U.S. and overseas travelers. Our advocacy will remain strong, and we urge government leaders to act swiftly to support our sector in the short- and long-term." — staff report
