APG Specialty Publications 00_SHAKOPEE_MD_19_BOOK_FLASH | Page 15

VISIT SHAKOPEE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU Tourism is an essential part of the Minnesota economy with over $15 billion in annual sales and $969 million in State sales tax revenue, which is 18% of all State tax revenue. A lot of this spending happens in our own region with over $10.2 billion in gross sales having occurred in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Metro. The Shakopee area is rich in tourism friendly assets including Valleyfair Amusement Park, Canterbury Park, Minnesota Renaissance Festival, The Landing, and nearby Mystic Lake and Mall of America. But, all businesses can be part of the tourism economy. We all benefit from travelers to the region whether it be our restaurants, lodging, gas stations, car dealerships, grocery stores, or other establishments. TRAVEL SPENDING BY SEASON: Spring: 14% Summer: 37% Fall: 25% Winter: 24% TRAVEL SPENDING BY SECTOR: Food: 24% Lodging: 21% Retail: 17% Recreation: 16% Transportation: 16% Other: 6% Tourism marketing also helps drive economic development for a community. Tourism is considered economic development’s “first date”. No one relocates, takes a new job, buys a home, or starts a business in a community without visiting it first. Tourism and tourism marketing help attract new residents, a strong workforce, new businesses, and new development. Visit Shakopee continually works to promote the Shakopee area as one of the premier destinations in the Midwest. We work to promote our businesses to incoming travelers and hope they take advantage of all the great things we have to offer. Find out ways you can get involved in promoting your business to potential travelers to Shakopee. Contact Tim Zunker at [phone] or [email protected]. Request a copy or download the annual Visit Shakopee Visitors Guide at visitshakopee.org. 2019 MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY & BUYER'S GUIDE | 15