Applied Research The University of Minnesota Tourism Center’s research has been valuable for Minnesota communities that want to understand and strengthen their visitor and tourism economies. We dive into demographic information and economic benefits as well as quali- tative measurements. Here are highlights from three of the 120+ research projects we’ve led or done in partnership with state agencies such as the Minnesota Department of Transportation and state and local tourism organizations.
Minnesota has more than 90 county fairs. OF NOTE
The Numbers
riculture, and Natural Resources, and the College of Education and Human Development all have contributed to the Center’s work, enhancing what we deliver while honing their research, curricu - lum development, and presentation skills.
100,000+ education and training program participants
How will you expand or enhance the work of the Tourism Center?
Work done in 87 Minnesota counties (and beyond) 60,000+ research report downloads since 2014 Developed 1st winery trail in Minnesota
In 2021, the Tourism Center developed a research and programming agenda to guide our work for the next five to eight years. For example, we have begun using a mobile analytics tool in a project with Explore Minnesota Tourism to estimate wel - come center visitor volumes. We also plan to do more work on outdoor recreation and to update our curriculum to meet the needs of the industry and communities. I hope Cooperative Extension will work more closely with the National Extension Tourism network, which connects Extension profession - als working on tourism-related issues across the country. For example, a few states have been doing educational programs that nurture future leaders in the tourism industry. Would it be possible to pool resources to create a nationwide program? Doing so will both increase Cooper - ative Extension’s impact and help Extensions
across the country be a lot more efficient. Would it be possible to host an annual virtual research showcase, so folks from across the country can talk about their latest research projects, learn from and network with each other?
Range Recreation is known primarily for the sport of curling. OF NOTE
OF NOTE
t A father and son boat on Gull Lake in Minnesota
Most people come to Union Depot because they are passing through, catching a bus, or boarding an Amtrak train.
24 The NET Effect | Extension Foundation/NTAE
Extension Foundation/NTAE | The NET Effect 25
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