Minnesota tourism generates $24.2 billion economic impact and saves households $1,000

The St. Louis Park City Council meeting on March 17, 2025, highlighted the significant economic impact of tourism on the state of Minnesota, with a focus on local hotel performance.

During the meeting, officials discussed the impressive $24.2 billion total economic impact generated by tourism in Minnesota. This figure is supported by 80.2 million visitors, who collectively contributed $2.3 billion in state and local taxes and spent $14.1 billion during their visits. The tourism sector also plays a crucial role in job creation, generating approximately 180,000 jobs across the state.

A notable point raised was the financial benefit of tourism to Minnesota households. In 2023, visitor spending effectively saved each household around $1,000 in state and local taxes, indicating the substantial role tourism plays in the local economy.

The council also reviewed the performance of nine tracked properties, including seven hotels in St. Louis Park and two in Golden Valley, two of which serve as conference centers. The discussion emphasized the importance of lodging tax as a reliable metric for assessing the economic health of the hospitality sector in the area.

Overall, the meeting underscored the vital contributions of tourism to both the state and local economies, highlighting the need for continued support and promotion of the industry.