Advisory Councils

A sun-dappled shot outside The Freight House in downtown Stillwater / Credit: Matt Lien Photography

Tourism Council

The Explore Minnesota Tourism Council consists of people from a multitude of sectors in hospitality and tourism appointed by the Governor to serve in an advisory capacity to Explore Minnesota. Its purpose is to serve the broader interests of tourism in Minnesota by promoting activities that support, maintain, and expand the state's domestic and international travel market, thereby generating increased visitor expenditures, tax revenue and employment.

The Explore Minnesota Tourism Council consists of up to thirty-five (35) members appointed by the Governor, including the Executive Director of Explore Minnesota, who serves as chair. The council is enabled through legislation, M.S. 116U.25 (Laws of MN '04 Ch 171). Enabled: 04/30/2004.

Questions regarding the Explore Minnesota Tourism Council may be directed to Lydia Hollingsworth at [email protected] or Beth Helle at [email protected].

Tourism Council Meetings

All Tourism Council meetings take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

December 8, 2026

Virtual: Join Zoom Meeting
- Meeting ID: 890 0229 8576, Passcode: 5xWTeu
- Dial-in: +1 646 558 8656

September 15, 2026

In-person: Explore Minnesota (121 7th Place East, Saint Paul, MN 55101)
Virtual: Join Zoom Meeting
- Meeting ID: 837 9091 1899, Passcode: 8teJpQ
- Dial-in: +1 301 715 8592

June 9, 2026

Recording | Minutes

March 10, 2026

Recording | Presentation | Minutes

December 9, 2025

Recording | Presentation | Minutes

September 16, 2025

Presentation | Minutes

Tourism Council Members

Council members are appointed by the governor.

View the Orientation Video

Download the Presentation

Application Process

Visit Explore Minnesota's Tourism Council page
Scroll down to find open positions
Choose the correct seat type and click the button that says apply

Business Council

The Explore Minnesota for Business Council, which launched in June 2024, consists of up to 14 voting members from economic development, talent acquisition, higher education, and business sectors across the state. Appointed by the Governor to four-year terms, the Council advises the Explore Minnesota team's marketing and promotional efforts surrounding resident and workforce attraction as well as economic opportunity in Minnesota. As part of their role, Council members shall emphasize and prioritize diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, plus provide professional marketing insights.

The Executive Director of Explore Minnesota and the Commissioner of the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) serve as co-chairs.

Questions regarding the Explore Minnesota for Business Council may be directed to Lydia Hollingsworth at [email protected] or Beth Helle at [email protected].