Minnesota Agencies

Serve the broader interests of tourism in Minnesota by promoting activities that support, maintain, and expand MN's domestic and international travel market, thereby generating increased visitor expenditures, tax revenue and employment.

2004 Minn. Laws Chap. 171 Sec. 5 established the Explore Minnesota Tourism Council, created as an office in the executive branch with a director appointed by the governor. The director was to be under the supervision of the commissioner of employment and economic development. At this time the Tourism Office was repealed.

The Explore Minnesota Tourism Council was reviewed by the Legislative Commission on Planning and Fiscal Policy (LCPFP) in 2013 as part of their biennial duty required by Minn. Stat. 3.885 Subd. 11. The LCPFP's 2013 Recommendations called for keeping the council.

Up to 28 members appointed by the Governor, including the director of Explore Minnesota Tourism, who serves as chair; 11 representatives of statewide associations representing bed and breakfast establishments, golf, festivals and events, counties, convention and visitors bureaus, lodging, resorts, trails, campgrounds, restaurants, and chambers of commerce; 5 representatives - one from each of the tourism marketing regions of the state; 6 representatives of the tourism business representing transportation, retail, travel agencies, tour operators, travel media, and convention facilities; 1 or more ex-officio non-voting members including at least one from the University of Minnesota Tourism Center; 4 legislators, two from each house, one each from the two largest political party caucuses in each house; and other persons, if any, as designated from time to time by the Governor.

As of November 1, 2021, Lauren Bennett McGinty is the director. Former director, John Edman, retired on June 3, 2021 after 21 years in the position.