Tariffs, Enforcement Hit Minnesota Winter Tourism

Minnesota's winter tourism suffers severe setbacks in 2026 as stricter immigration enforcement and new tariffs deter international visitors, slashing arrivals and revenue. The state’s $14.7 billion tourism industry, which grew slightly last year with Hennepin County capturing 37% of revenue, now faces declines especially in northern counties like St. Louis at 4.4%. Hospitality data through August shows flat or minimal gains compared to 2023, but federal policies exacerbate the downturn.