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    Explore Minnesota Tourism Awards

    23TourismConference-01

    The Explore Minnesota Tourism Awards celebrate the outstanding people, marketing and initiatives that help make Minnesota a premier travel destination.

    To be considered for an award, a form must be submitted for each nomination. Please share specific details for each nomination including examples, goals, results, ROI, accomplishments, etc. Supporting documents and creative elements are encouraged and will help the Explore Minnesota Awards Committee score each submission.

    The eligibility period for each award is Jan. 1, 2022 – Dec. 30, 2022.

    All nominations are due by 4 p.m. on Tuesday Jan. 10, 2023.

    The following awards will be presented (in-person and virtually) during the 2023 Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Bloomington on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023.

    • Outstanding Marketing Campaign
      Recognizing an exceptional marketing campaign executed by a destination marketing organization (DMO, Chamber/CVB, primary tourism organization or statewide association), this award will be presented to a destination that enhanced the overall visibility of a community and directly impacted visitor travel to the area.
       
    • Outstanding Marketing Campaign
      Recognizing an exceptional marketing campaign executed by a tourism-related business (attraction, lodging property, theatre, outfitter, event, etc.)his award will be presented to a business that enhanced their overall visibility in the marketplace and directly impacted visitor travel.

    • Only in Minnesota Award
      This award recognizes an initiative that exemplifies the spirit of "Only in Minnesota," celebrating experiences unique or exclusive to Minnesota The award will be presented to an organization, event or person that has become synonymous with Minnesota or a community within the state.

    • One Minnesota Award
      Recognizing collaborative efforts of three or more organizations or entities, this award will be presented to an outstanding tourism project, initiative or campaign which was designed to advance tourism for a community, area or business district.  Nominees should detail how they worked together to address a challenge or opportunity and how the collaboration benefitted each of the partners.

    • Emerging Leader Award
      This award recognizes an individual who has joined Minnesota's tourism industry within the last five years. The Emerging Leader exhibits a passion for Minnesota's tourism and hospitality industry, is mindful of their role in making the state a welcoming place for all travelers, and through their work ensures the future growth and vitality of Minnesota tourism.

    • Customer Service Award
      Presented to an individual who is on the front lines of the tourism and hospitality industry, who provides outstanding service to, and communication with, the traveling public.  This person may be a paid employee, volunteer or owner/operator of a tourism-related business.

    • Tourism Professional of the Year
      Presented to an individual who has  worked to advance tourism for the benefit of Minnesota's industry, conducting statewide programs which enhance, underwrite, and/and promote the tourism industry in Minnesota. This person may be an employee, volunteer, or owner/operator of a tourism-related business. Special consideration will be given to level of achievements, length of service and overall professional contributions to Minnesota's tourism industry.


    Questions? Contact:
    Derek Ramthun
    Explore Minnesota
    Derek.Ramthun@state.mn.us
    612-231-3889

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