Bonnie Carlson Recipient of Prestigious Outstanding Individual in Tourism Award

Bonnie Carlson, President and CEO of the Bloomington Convention & Visitors Bureau was honored as the Outstanding Individual in Tourism by Explore Minnesota Tourism, EMT, at their annual tourism Conference on January 29, 2009.  Her 24 years of service at the Bloomington Convention & Visitors Bureau was recognized as a substantial contributor to the state’s travel industry.

The Outstanding Individual in Tourism award is given when an individual of significant caliber surfaces by demonstrating the necessary leadership qualities to advance the travel industry.

Along with demonstrating her value on a local level, Carlson has been at the forefront of the hospitality industry crafting and supporting policies that help the industry at state, national and international levels.  She has been active in several other tourism organizations including the Explore Minnesota Tourism Council, the Executive Committee of the United States Travel Association, Destination Marketing Association International and the Minnesota Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus.  Along with leading a very successful destination marketing organization, Carlson has made considerable contributions toward promoting the Minnesota travel product nationally and internationally. Her efforts to drive tourism and ultimately commerce to Minnesota throughout her industry career are unmatched. 

The Bloomington Convention & Visitors Bureau was also honored with a Marketing Award of Merit for their three day, five attraction pass, The Big Ticket™.  The Big Ticket features five of the Twin Cities’ most popular attractions, at a savings of up to 30% off.  Incredible value-adds are included with the purchase of the pass, making the savings of the package of over $110.00.  For more information about The Big Ticket, log on to bloomingtonmn.org.

The Bloomington Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official marketing organization for the City of Bloomington and aggressively markets Bloomington, Minnesota, area attractions, and the surrounding communities, to visitors around the world. Bloomington is located adjacent to Minneapolis and St. Paul, just minutes from the International Airport, is the home of Mall of America, and is a premier destination for meetings, conventions, and tourism. For visitor information, special offers and to book hotel rooms online visit bloomingtonmn.org.