Tourism Leaders Recognized at Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference

A select group of tourism leaders received awards at the Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference, held Feb. 4-5 in Duluth. Mark Ludlow (pictured at left with John Edman), of Ludlow's Island Resort, Lake Vermilion, was named “Outstanding Individual in Tourism” 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 facilities.

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

For more information on the awards program, contact David Bergman at 218-681-0997 or david.bergman@state.mn.us.

Reported by:  Explore Minnesota Tourism

A select group of tourism leaders received awards at the Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference, held Feb. 4-5 in Duluth. Mark Ludlow (pictured at left with John Edman), of Ludlow's Island Resort, Lake Vermilion, was named “Outstanding Individual in Tourism” 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 facilities.

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

For more information on the awards program, contact David Bergman at 218-681-0997 or david.bergman@state.mn.us.

Reported by:  Explore Minnesota Tourism