Duluth’s ‘Tourism Marketing Working Group’ To Hold Listening Sessions In May
DULUTH, Minn. — The future of Duluth’s multi-million dollar tourism marketing contract is being guided by a working group at the request of Mayor Roger Reinert. And later in May, there are opportunities for businesses and the public to weigh in.
This comes after Reinert’s announcement in March that he believes next year’s marketing contract should be awarded to local talent.
In 2021, former Mayor Emily Larson chose Twin Cities-based Bellmont Partners to market Duluth for $1.8 million, which meant Visit Duluth was out after 85 years as the city’s sole marketing agency.
Visit Duluth would be downsized to what it is today – a visitor’s center with a focus on attracting conventions. Visit Duluth’s $650,000-a-year contract is also up at the end of December and will be up for consideration through the RFP process.
As for the upcoming listening sessions, Karen Pionk, chair of the Tourism Marketing Working Group said, “These listening sessions are invaluable opportunities for us to connect with our community and gain valuable insights into how we can enhance our tourism marketing. We look forward to engaging with industry partners and passionate individuals to ensure our efforts align with the needs and desires of our community and industry.”
The following dates are set for in-person listening sessions and one virtually:
Date: May 14, 1:00 PM
Location: Lake Superior Zoo, 7210 Freemont Street, Duluth, MN
Date: May 15, 8:00 AM
Location: Lake Superior Railroad Museum, 506 W Michigan Street, Duluth, MN
Date: May 16, 4:00 PM
Location: Glensheen Mansion, 3300 London Road, Duluth, MN
Additionally, for those unable to attend in person, a virtual listening session will take place on:
Date: May 20, 12:00 PM
Virtual Platform: Microsoft Teams
Participation link: click here to join the meeting
Meeting ID: 268 324 755 621
Passcode: 8r77hQ
