BOARD/COMMISSION:  Explore Minnesota Tourism Council

Up to 35 members appointed by the governor, including the director of Explore Minnesota Tourism, who serves as chair.

Voting members appointed by the governor for four-year terms including:

• 14 representatives of statewide associations representing bed and breakfast establishments, golf, festivals and events, counties, convention and visitor bureaus, lodging, resorts, trails, campgrounds, restaurants, craft beverage establishments, chambers of commerce, chambers of commerce for underrepresented communities, and Tribal nations;
  
• 5 regional marketing representatives: one representative from each of the tourism marketing regions of the state as designated by the office;
• 10 representatives of the tourism business representing transportation, retail, travel agencies, tour operators, travel media, convention facilities, arts and culture, sports, outdoor recreation, and tourism business owners from underrepresented communities;
• 1 or more ex officio nonvoting 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, appointed according to the rules of the respective houses; and
• other persons, if any, as designated from time to time by the governor.

Filling of membership vacancies is as provided in M.S. 15.059.

The Explore Minnesota Tourism Council consists of people from all sectors of hospitality and tourism appointed by the governor to serve in an advisory capacity to Explore Minnesota.

The purpose of the Council is to serve the broader interests of tourism in Minnesota by promoting activities that support, maintain, and expand the state's domestic and international travel market, thereby generating increased visitor expenditures, tax revenue and employment.