Rochester, MN – A new study commissioned by Experience Rochester and conducted by the University of Minnesota Extension confirms that tourism was a powerhouse for the local economy in 2025. Visitor spending generated $1.1 billion in total economic activity, directly supporting 7,670 jobs and creating $323 million in labor‑related income.
Jobs Tied to Visitor Spending
The report found that 6,100 of the jobs counted were directly linked to the dollars spent by out‑of‑town guests. The remaining positions are indirectly supported through supply chains and ancillary services that benefit from the tourism surge.
Restaurants and Bars Lead Employment
Restaurants and bars emerged as the top tourism‑related employers. Roughly half of the 6,400 jobs in these establishments are sustained by visitor dollars, underscoring the sector’s importance to Rochester’s hospitality landscape. Hotels rank second, providing a substantial share of tourism‑related employment.
Industry Concentrations Compared Nationally
Rochester shows a higher concentration of workers in hotels, sporting‑goods stores, hobby‑retail outlets, and amusement and recreation businesses than the national average. Conversely, the city employs fewer people in breweries, wineries, distilleries, and air‑transportation roles compared with the rest of the United States.
Baseline for Future Growth
Bill Von Bank, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Experience Rochester, called the study the first comprehensive baseline of tourism’s economic impact. He said the findings will help city leaders and business owners shape future tourism development strategies, ensuring that Rochester continues to attract visitors while expanding local job opportunities.
Looking Ahead
With the data now in hand, Rochester officials plan to leverage the study’s insights to promote events, improve visitor amenities, and support the sectors that drive the most employment. The city’s leadership hopes that continued investment in tourism will sustain the positive economic trend and further strengthen the community’s fiscal health.
For more information on the study or to explore partnership opportunities, contact Experience Rochester.
Original reporting: News Talk 1340 KROC-AM – News and Talk – Rochester News Radio — read the source article.
