Tourism Generated $1.1 Billion for Rochester’s Economy in 2025, University of Minnesota Study Finds

Rochester, MN (RochesterNow)- The tourism industry had a 10-figure impact on Rochester's economy last year. 

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That’s according to a study from the University of Minnesota Extension. Experience Rochester, the city’s tourism arm, commissioned the study and published the results. 

U of M Study Finds Tourism Generated $1.1 Billion in Economic Activity in Rochester Last Year

The study found the tourism-related business generated $1.1 billion in economic activity in Rochester last year. Spending from visitors supported 7,670 jobs and resulted in $323 million in labor-related income. 

6100 of those jobs are tied directly to visitor spending, the study found. 

Experience Rochester Vice President of Marketing and Communications Bill Von Bank says its the first report examining the tourism industry’s impact on Rochester’s economy. 

He says the report is meant to be a baseline to help establish a baseline to help guide future tourism development. 

Restaurants & Bars Lead Rochester Tourism Industry Employers, According to U of M Study

Roughly half of the 6400 jobs at Rochester bars and restaurants are directly supported by visitor’s dollars, according to the study. Restaurants and bars are the top tourism industry employers. 

Hotels account for the second-most tourism-related employees. 

The study also found that Rochester had a higher concentration of employees compared to the rest of the country in hotels and accommodations, sporting goods, hobby retail stores, amusement and recreation businesses. 

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Employees working at breweries, wineries, and distilleries and air transportation are lower in Rochester when compared with the rest of the nation.