On the heels of Minnesota's picture-perfect fishing opener weekend, the summer travel season is shaping up to be a strong one for the state's tourism industry. A pre-summer survey of Minnesota lodging businesses revealed a positive outlook for summer travel statewide, continuing an upward trend over the past several years. Close to half of respondents (46%) expect summer revenue to be up, and 41% predict increased occupancy compared to the already strong summer of 2016. By contrast, only 11% of respondents expect decreased occupancy, and 12% expect revenue to be down. Overall, 84% of respondents rated their current financial health as growing (25%) or stable, but positive (59%). |