Community & Tourism
TOURISM & MINNESOTA’S ECONOMY,
FACT SHEET 2019
The Minnesota leisure and hospitality market
generates $16 billion annually in gross sales and
$44 million a day. It also generates revenues of
$1.04 million in state sales tax which equates to 18%
of Minnesota’s sales tax annual revenues. Travel and
tourism contributes over 273,000 full- and part-time jobs,
$6.1 billion in wages and 11% of the state’s total private
sector employment.
Every $1 invested in state tourism marketing returns an
estimated $9 in state and local taxes, and $92 in spending
by travelers. Sales at leisure and hospitality businesses
grew nearly 35% from 2005 to 2017, including 9% growth
from 2015 to 2018.
Sources: Explore Minnesota Spring/Summer 2019 ROI/Economic Impact Research Report, Strategic Marketing &
Research Insights; The Economic Impact of 2017 Travel in Minnesota, Tourism Economics; The Economic Impact
of Expenditures by Travelers on Minnesota, June 2007-May 2008, Davidson-Peterson Associates; Minnesota
Department of Revenue; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; International State Travel (IST), Tourism Economics.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
Minnesota’s Leisure and Hospitality Industry, 2018
..............................................................Gross Sales ...............................State Sales Tax................................. Jobs
Dakota County...............................$976,809,076.........................................$61,469,632..........................................18,902
Region Total ................................$11,096,974,241.................................... $726,658,099........................................179,046
Minnesota Total..........................$16,024,245,888...................................$1,038,862,261......................................272,821
Notes: State total dotes not equal the sum of counties or regions because some data is withheld to avoid disclosure
of individual businesses; and some state level data is for businesses located outside of Minnesota. The Leisure and
Hospitality industry consists of Accommodations; Food Services and Drinking Places; and Arts, Entertainment and
Recreation. SOURCE: Minnesota Department of Revenue; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2/20
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