Industry News provides weekly news and tips for the people who market Minnesota and its destinations.
June 9, 2025 |
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| Swimming at Loon Lake / Photo Credit: Micah Kvidt |
Eligible organizations may apply for grant funding under Explore Minnesota’s FY2026 Tourism Grant Program until June 20, 2025, at 4 p.m. CST, or until all funds have been allocated.
Applications will only be accepted electronically, via email at emtgrant@state.mn.us. Grant applications will be reviewed in the order they are received in the electronic queue. Applying for a grant award does not guarantee funding. Applications will be reviewed for application completeness, and organization and project eligibility according to the FY2026 Tourism Grant Guidelines.
View the Grant Guidelines, Application, FAQ’s and informational webinar online.
Contact your regional industry relations representative with questions.
Explore Minnesota's FY25 co-op program is coming to a close at the end of June, but a few are still available in all categories.
Digital programs with packages available include contextual content advertising, multicultural and diversity-targeted advertising, repeat visitor targeting, and travel intent advertising.
If you’re looking to run some digital out-of-home, or DOOH, check out our digital billboards program, available in three key markets, or our Mall of America program, which gives you the option of vertical digital displays or ads on their digital directories.
TV and video programs are still available, including targeted TV and customized streaming programs with Comcast advertising and video card advertising through Travel Spike’s exclusive premium travel network.
One print program is still available in MSP Magazine, which will have an Explore Minnesota section in the Sept. issue, with a space deadline on June 13.
Learn more about FY25 Explore Minnesota Advertising Co-ops.
Celebrate Disability Pride Month in the month of July by adding your Disability Pride Events to Exploreminnesota.com. To have your event considered for inclusion in various Explore Minnesota communications, log into the Explore Minnesota extranet to update or create new listings for your Disability Pride Month events and celebrations by June 27. Please note that submitting an image with your event listing increases the likelihood that your event will be featured in Explore Minnesota communications.
For technical assistance, contact our extranet team at tourism@state.mn.us.
Update your listing on the Explore Minnesota extranet.
Apply now to host the 2026 Minnesota Governor's Pheasant Hunting Opener (GPHO). We are seeking proposals to host the GPHO event on Oct. 9-10, 2026. This event is held annually and is coordinated by Explore Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and a host community/tourism organization.
Through several high-visibility events specifically for outdoor and general media, the Minnesota Governor's Pheasant Opener helps elevate visitor awareness of the host community and creates a lasting local impact. Submit your proposal by Aug. 15, 2025, for consideration.
For more information about the Governor's Pheasant Hunting Opener, please contact Lisa Havelka at 507-389-2683 or lisa.havelka@state.mn.us.
Reach up to 165,000 eager travelers through Explore Minnesota’s revamped tourism email lists. With an average 18% increase in engagement since a redesign launch this winter and click rates that exceed industry standards, these newsletters are reaching the right audience. The creative for our ads is entirely DMO-driven, making it easy to spotlight your upcoming events, seasonal highlights and key initiatives. Flexible ad options are available to align with any campaign goals and budget.
Contact sebrina.williams@milespartnership.com at Miles Partnership for more information and to reserve your newsletter ad.
Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), businesses and organizations can feature the Explore Minnesota Travel Guide for their visitor services needs, guest rooms, lobbies or at check-in desks. You can request bulk quantities of our guide at no cost! We invite businesses, organizations and DMOs to submit requests for bulk orders. There are 40 guides per box.
The University of Minnesota Tourism Center is excited to launch a quarterly agritourism newsletter, in collaboration with its partners across the state. The newsletter is for anyone involved in or curious about agritourism: current and aspiring hosts, tourism partners, agricultural professionals, local officials, and anyone else at the crossroads of Minnesota agriculture and tourism.
In each issue, you’ll find practical tips and how-tos for running a successful agritourism operation, policy and regulation updates, tools and resources, events and networking opportunities, and insights and stories from other Minnesota farms.
Read the first issue online and sign up for the monthly Agritourism Newsletter.
The 2025 TTRA CenStates Chapter Conference will be held in Ann Arbor, Michigan, from Oct. 22 to 24. The agenda is packed with groundbreaking sessions that will help elevate your tourism research.
Networking sessions with industry leaders and vendors for participants to share ideas and discuss challenges. Discover the potential for your tourism business and learn how to gain valuable insights and make informed decisions. Early bird registration rates end Aug. 8.
Learn more and register online.
