Linda Jurek, Executive Director
Visit Cook County
Ever wondered about the meaning of hodophilia?
It is quite simply the love of travel! Rooted in the Greek words hodos (meaning road) and philia (meaning love), it captures that profound affection for the journey itself. Whether your travels are driven by a desire for self-challenge, new experiences, or the creation of lifelong memories, we likely all share a spark of wanderlust.
At Visit Cook County, we are thrilled to celebrate National Tourism Week from Sunday, May 3, through Monday, May 9th. While this week is a special highlight, we strive to honor our visitors every single day, as reflected in our core organizational values:
Mission: Enhance and grow a sustainable tourism economy in Cook County, MN.
Vision: To provide solutions to tourism and visitor-related interests in the region.
Tourism is the backbone of our local economy, accounting for more than 80% of its strength and welcoming more than 1.2 million visitors annually. Our guests are vital to our community’s ability to flourish. While the busy summer season can be intense, our local businesses depend on our “one tank away” travelers. Because of this, Visit Cook County works diligently to expand our reach across Wisconsin, Iowa, North and South Dakota, and Canada.
The passion for travel is a formidable force, whether you seek relaxation or high-stakes adventure. As destination marketers, we are dedicated to supporting our community and local businesses with the utmost care.
As National Travel and Tourism Week coincides with Small Business Week, please take a moment to welcome a visitor and share your gratitude with a local business owner. Stop by our Info Center and check out all the great information we share on a regular basis.
And on behalf of the team at Visit Cook County and our leadership, thank you! Without all of you welcoming our guests and supporting local businesses, our economic vitality would not exist.
