Minnesota Summer Tourism Outlook: Travel Trends Could Add Up to a Positive Bottom Line for Tourism Businesses

In spite of the challenging economy, Minnesota tourism businesses are hoping to provide relief to stressed-out consumers by offering the affordable, close-to-home getaways travelers will be looking for this summer. Pent-up demand among consumers to take long-delayed breaks could help Minnesota lodging businesses weather this year's financial storm.

Among the more than 350 lodging and camping businesses across the state responding to a recent poll by Explore Minnesota Tourism, the state tourism office, half expect business this summer to continue at normal levels, with 32 percent anticipating occupancy to match last summer and 21 percent expecting an increase in occupancy. On the other hand, just under half (48 percent) expect occupancy to drop from last summer, and even more, 51 percent, expect their revenues to decline as they lower rates to attract customers. Nationally, the U.S. Travel Association forecasts a 2 percent decline in leisure travel this summer.

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