Minnesota's bustling winter tourism, typically a stronghold for the state's economy, is facing an unexpected adversary: unseasonably warm weather. Without the customary blanket of snow and ice, winter activities which usually draw in revenue are in short supply, spelling trouble for local businesses and the overall state economy.

Researchers from the University of Minnesota Extension have highlighted the crucial role that seasonal tourism plays in Minnesota's fortunes. Xinyi Qian, director of the Tourism Center, has pointed out the growing need for adaptive strategies in the tourism industry, "Tourism dollars come from events, festivals and activities. We see the need for climate adaptation when it comes to the myriad of ways cold weather generates money for communities, businesses, and individuals as our weather changes," according to the University of Minnesota.

Normally, winter in Minnesota is a magnet for vacationers eager to partake in sports such as snowmobiling, skiing, and ice-fishing. But as Brigid Tuck, a senior economic impact analyst with the University of Minnesota Extension, puts it, "Generally speaking, overnight visitors to a Minnesota community spend $140 to $150 every day of their stay. This year, some of that money that starts with activities like snowmobiling, skiing, and ice-fishing won’t be there."

Qian and Tuck's work seeks to measure and understand these impacts, informing policies and marketing strategies that can help mitigate the economic damage. Their research is an ongoing effort to ensure the robustness of Minnesota’s $22.8 billion tourism industry, in the face of changing climate patterns, as per the University of Minnesota.