Today, the House Economic Development and Finance Committee heard HF232, which puts in place a robust tourism industry grant recovery for Explore Minnesota Tourism (EMT). Hospitality Minnesota’s Jill Sims testified in support of the bill. The bill was laid over at the end of the hearing, so members can continue to work on the bill. We will continue to monitor and support the bill.  

Currently, the bill has 3 components, which include:


• $215,000 in fiscal year 2024 and $215,000 in fiscal year 2025 for EMT to build administrative capacity to support in the areas of brand strategy, communications and industry relations. This would be from the general fund.  
• $10M in fiscal year 2024 to EMT for a tourism industry recovery grant program. The grant program must provide money to organizations, tribal governments and communities to excel the recovery of the state’s tourism industry. This is a onetime appropriation from the general fund.
• $250,000 in fiscal year 2024 to EMT for a grant to the Grand Portage Band to focus on tourism to Grand Portage. This is a onetime appropriation from the general fund.