EXPLORE MINNESOTA TOURISM FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State of Minnesota

Contact: David Bergman, 218-681-0997

INDUSTRY ACHIEVEMENTS HONORED AT
MINNESOTA TOURISM CONFERENCE

Duluth, Minn. (Feb. 5, 2014) During the annual Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference, several individuals, organizations, and businesses were recognized for their contributions to the states travel industry.

Mark Ludlow, of Ludlow's Island Resort, Lake Vermilion, was named Outstanding Individual in Tourism for his long-term work on behalf of the Minnesota tourism industry. Ludlow was heralded for his work with a variety of tourism associations both in northeastern Minnesota and throughout the state and for his willingness to share and cooperate with the industry.

Ingrid Schneider, Ph.D., director of the University of Minnesota Tourism Center, received a Friend of Tourism award for significant contributions to the Minnesota travel and tourism industry. Her research and programming efforts have included work on sustainable tourism, traveler profiles, economic impact studies, invasive species and customer service.

Another Friend of Tourism award was presented to Paul Erickson, executive director of the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission, for his work in furthering athletics in Minnesota as well as generating tourism and economic development associated with sports activities.

Awards are also given annually to note creative, successful tourism marketing programs by Minnesota tourism entities. This years Travel Marketing Awards of Excellence went to the Ely Chamber of Commerce for a public relations campaign and to Visit Winona for a social media program. Meet Minneapolis, Convention and Visitors Association, received a Marketing Award of Merit for a campaign to create awareness and draw LGBT weddings to the community.

About Explore Minnesota Tourism

As the state's tourism office, Explore Minnesota Tourism pursues an entrepreneurial approach, leveraging the state's tourism investment with increased involvement by the private sector. A council of representatives from the state's tourism industry strongly connects Explore Minnesota Tourism with tourism businesses and organizations. Tourism is a $12.5 billion industry in Minnesota, a key sector of the states economy. The leisure and hospitality industry, a major provider of tourism services, employs more than 245,000 jobs and generates $811 million in sales taxes.