Contacts: Julie Christensen, U of M Extension, (612) 626-4077, reuve007@umn.edu
Ryan Mathre, University News Service, (612) 625-0552, mathre@umn.edu

TPT, U of M Extension film highlights tourism in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (12/01/2009) — “Tourism in Minnesota: Ideas at Play,” a half-four film co-produced by Twin Cities Public Television (TPT), University of Minnesota Extension and the University of Minnesota Tourism Center, debuts at 8:30 p.m. Dec. 6 on TPT’s Minnesota Channel. The production will air through December 2010 and can also be accessed online at http://www.tourism.umn.edu/NewsEvents/Videos/index.htm

The film explores the importance of tourism to the economic well-being and vitality of communities. Tourism is an $11 billion industry in Minnesota, according to Explore Minnesota Tourism, producing 15 percent of all state sales tax and 10 percent of the state’s jobs, or more than 244,000.

Five tourism initiatives are featured in the production: the St. Paul Festival Association; the Three Rivers Wine Trail (St. Croix, Mississippi and Cannon River valleys); the Upper Minnesota Valley Regional Development Commission and its Arts Meander (west central Minnesota); the Brainerd Lakes Area; and sustainability efforts at The Mall of America.

All five initiatives partnered with the university’s Tourism Center to examine options, educate volunteers and staff and research important questions. The Tourism Center’s commitment to support Minnesota tourism is also highlighted.

“The University of Minnesota is a network of educators and specialists who apply their research and education to the tourism industry and to community leaders,” said Ingrid Schneider, University of Minnesota Tourism Center Director. “We conduct research about critical questions; we provide education; we reach out to strengthen this important segment of Minnesota’s economic and civic vitality. We make a difference in tourism. That’s our mission.”

Said TPT executive producer Tom Trow: “University of Minnesota Extension is an ideal partner for our productions. They know Minnesota and what’s important to Minnesotans, and we offer a way to reach every community in the state. ‘Tourism in Minnesota’ is a great example of how to best use the tool of television to inform and inspire.”

TPT’s Minnesota Channel features a variety of programming from or about Minnesota and its close neighbors. Many of the programs are produced by TPT in partnership with Minnesota nonprofit and public service organizations.

The University of Minnesota Tourism Center is a collaboration of University of Minnesota Extension and the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences. For more information on the Tourism Center, visit www.tourism.umn.edu.

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URL: http:// www.extension.umn.edu/extensionnews/2009/tourism-video-TPT.html This page was updated Dec. 2, 2009 .
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