More Minnesotans expected to stay-cation

A survey by the University of Minnesota Tourism Center offers some good news for the state's leisure and hospitality industry.

Center director Ingrid Schneider said most Minnesotans are looking forward to enjoying vacations and other relaxing breaks within the state this year.

"The majority of Minnesotans plan to spend as much or more on leisure travel as they did in 2012," Schneider said.

Among respondents surveyed toward the end of last year, 48 percent said they plan to spend the same amount on leisure travel this year as they did last year. Nineteen percent expected to spend more.

"Given the state of the economy, it's encouraging the majority still plan to spend as much or more," Schneider said.

The state estimates the tourism industry generates nearly $12 billion in annual sales in Minnesota and accounts for close to a quarter million jobs. Tourism also produces about three-quarters of a billion dollars in sales taxes.