DULUTH, Minn. — A multimillion-dollar tourism marketing contract between the city of Duluth and a Twin Cities-based company will expire at the end of the year. And now, newly elected Mayor Roger Reinert has said he believes the contract should be brought back domestically.
“As a Drusian, I fundamentally believe that our community has the creative talent to tell its own stories,” Reinert said.
Recall that in 2021, former Mayor Emily Larson selected Edina, Minn.-based Belmont Partners to develop the Duluth market. This marks the end of Visit Duluth's 85-year history as the city's sole marketing agency. Visit Duluth was later downsized to its current form as a visitor center focused on attracting conventions.
Reinert said at a press conference Wednesday that he has formed a working group to consider all marketing companies applying for the next contract through a request for proposals.
Currently, Belmont Partners is paid $1.8 million a year through Duluth's tourism tax revenue, but Reinert believes that revenue, including contracts, should come full circle. Reinert said he wants to make sure the plan aligns with the city's goals and objectives, including both the tourism industry and the city of Duluth's goals. Marketing efforts don't just help tourists and tourist destinations.
“Fundamentally, I believe that it is difficult to tell the authentic Duluth story unless you are a Duluth resident, and I have said this many times throughout the campaign. So as they move forward and consider the RFP, I hope that the tourism tax generated in Duluth ends up being directed and spent in our community as well. I look forward to it,” Reinert said.
Meanwhile, the Tourism Marketing Working Group is led by Karen Pionk, general manager of the Sheraton Duluth Hotel. The group's goal is to develop an RFP that best supports tourism entities and ensures that every dollar of tourism marketing benefits Duluth residents and its future.
“We also have some type of collaboration with other community partners and residents within the community to get feedback and consider input before making any decisions or considering the specifics of any changes. We are also very careful about doing outreach,” Pionk said. He explained.
Reinert said the tourism plan will help all local residents, not just tourist destinations. Reinert said when tourists come and their experience is positive, it strengthens a city's brand and strengthens business retention and business recruitment.
Visit Duluth's $650,000 annual contract also expires at the end of December and will be considered through an RFP process.
