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    Market Development

    Market Development is responsible for marketing Minnesota to special audiences – group tour and packaged travel planners both domestically and internationally. This unit also directs public relations activities and consumer marketing programs for international target market audiences.

    Market Development Strategy 

    Explore Minnesota's Market Development department held a partners' meeting in September to discuss the department's objectives and strategies. 
    September, 18, 2024 Market Development Meeting Slide Deck


    GROUP TOUR

    Group Tour marketing focuses on travel professionals who conduct tours for leisure groups of 10 or more people and primarily includes trade shows and advertising.  Promotion is targeted to reach U.S. travel trade markets, including tour operators, package travel operators, group travel leaders and group tour media representatives.

    Group Tour Objectives
    • Maintain visibility and awareness of Minnesota as a group leisure travel destination 
    • Investigate and evaluate current and future growth opportunities 

    See more information on Group Tour Marketing through the link here. 


    INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT 

    Explore Minnesota is focusing on consumer advertising in a number of international markets.  

    International Marketing Objectives
    • Increase consumer and trade awareness of Minnesota as a must-see travel destination and increase visitation to Minnesota from target markets. 
    • Strategy is to inspire consumers in targeted international markets to visit Minnesota through global memberships, cooperative marketing partnerships, innovative marketing and unique storytelling focused on Minnesota's unique natural assets, art and culture. 

    See more information on International Marketing through the link here.


    FAMILIARIZATION TOURS

    Explore Minnesota sponsors trips for domestic and international tour operators and international media representatives to familiarize them with destinations and provide information they need to develop travel programs or to publish travel stories.  Showcase your unique tourism assets and experiences to travel influencers by helping host/co-sponsor familiarization (FAM) tours and provide complimentary lodging, meals, attractions or guide services.

    International Media Familiarization Tour Application 

    Trade Familiarization Tour Application 

    Familiarization Tour Participation Form 

    For more information contact Jen Schak, Market Development Manager 

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