Today’s guest on the Growing Destinations podcast brings a thoughtful, research-driven lens to the tourism landscape. Xinyi Qian is Director of the University of Minnesota Tourism Center, a statewide resource focused on supporting communities through tourism education, research, and strategic planning.

Xinyi’s work sits at the intersection of tourism, economic development, and community vitality. Under her leadership, the Tourism Center is helping destinations across Minnesota adapt to emerging trends, build sustainable strategies, and create meaningful visitor experiences.