Visit Red Wing, DMO Who We Are

Behind the Scenes at Visit Red Wing: Unveiling the Organization Behind Our Town’s Tourism

When travelers plan a weekend getaway, local businesses welcome new visitors, or vibrant images of Red Wing inspire audiences across social media, a dedicated team is working behind the scenes to make those connections happen. Yet, despite its significant impact on the local economy, one of Red Wing’s most important economic drivers—and the work that fuels it—often goes unnoticed or misunderstood.

It’s time to set the record straight on who we are, how we operate, and how Visit Red Wing—officially known as the Red Wing Visitors and Convention Bureau (VCB)—serves as the official marketing arm of our community.

Clearing Up the Confusion: Who Is the Red Wing VCB?

The Red Wing Visitors and Convention Bureau is frequently mistaken for the Red Wing Area Chamber of Commerce, Red Wing Downtown Main Street, or the West End District. While we work closely alongside these key community entities, the Red Wing VCB operates as an independent Destination Marketing Organization (DMO).

Established in 1993 through the vision of two founding individuals and supported by a dedicated initial board of directors, the organization was approved by the State of Minnesota as a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization.

Unlike charitable non-profits or member-driven business associations:

• We are not membership-based: Local businesses do not pay dues to be represented rather they agree to advertise based on current rates to be included in tourism promotion.

• We offer an opportunity to support our efforts to take a holistic approach: We showcase the full spectrum of the Red Wing experience when and where we can—from outdoor recreation, scenic vistas, art, culture, special events and most importantly lodging options.

• How we are funded: Our operations are funded primarily through local lodging taxes, levied under the general authority of Minnesota Statutes, section 469.19. When visitors stay in local hotels and lodging facilities, those tax dollars collected from the patron are directly reinvested into marketing Red Wing to future travelers. This cycle ensures that there is a dedicated budget to showcase the community and encourage overnight stays. (Note this is not a local city tax that residents pay)

Driven by Purpose: Our Mission and Vision

Every campaign, visitor guide, and advertisement we produce aligns with a single unified purpose:

• Our Mission: Inspire and connect travelers to choose Red Wing as a year-round cultural, recreational, and event destination.

• Our Vision: To be the top travel destination in Southeast Minnesota.

Rebranding and Resilience: Evolving Through Global Change

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented shifts to global travel, prompting the Red Wing VCB to pivot strategically. In late 2020 and early 2021, the organization launched a complete rebranding initiative to adapt to shifting traveler expectations and the nature of how the organization was viewed across the nation.

While overnight travel temporarily slowed during that period, day-trippers continued flocking to Red Wing to explore our bluffs, trails, and riverfronts. Recognizing the opportunity, the VCB refreshed the brand, elevated publication standards, and ramped up advertising.

This national evolution formally solidified the role of Visitor & Convention Bureaus as Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs). As personal interactions temporarily shifted toward digital spaces, our priority remained steadfast: highlighting everything Red Wing has to offer so day visits turn into multi-day getaways.

Because corporate lodging facilities face brand limitations on localized advertising, Visit Red Wing steps in to fill that crucial role—acting as the primary promotional engine for the entire region, if authorized by the owner, manager or regional manager..

Connecting with Millions: Powerful Campaigns and Proven Impact

To keep Red Wing top-of-mind for travelers, Visit Red Wing deploys dynamic, highly targeted marketing strategies across digital and traditional media:

• Niche Digital Strategies: Tailored campaigns focus on specialized interests like fishing, golfing, local arts, and general getaway experiences—generating over 50,000 monthly digital impressions and 4,000 monthly engagements to the RedWing.org website.

• Social Media Reach: During peak travel season (April through August), Visit Red Wing’s Facebook page averages 350,000 views per month (this number does not include all social platforms that Visit Red Wing delivers content).

• Strategic Print Placements: We capture readers nationwide and internationally through various placements such as the Vikings yearbook, Twins yearbook, Minnesota Travel Guide (annually), MN Trails, Food & Travel Magazine, Southern MN Travel Guide, and targeted Canadian travel publications.

  • Radio broadcasting during MLB Twins games and recent focus on local and broadcast television networks such Kare 11 and KSTP-TV channel 5 during MN Bound episodes 

• In-House Resources & Regional Transit: The VCB produces customized print materials for high-traffic events and maintains active marketing support promoting the two Amtrak passenger rail services, encouraging regional and cross-country travelers to hop off the train and explore Red Wing.

Looking Ahead

Whether showcasing vibrant autumn foliage, historic downtown architecture, world-class river recreation, or local arts festivals, the Red Wing Visitors and Convention Bureau is constantly at work to champion our local economy and celebrate our community’s character.

The next time you spot a beautiful campaign showcasing our town, know that Visit Red Wing is behind it—working around the clock to invite the world to discover everything our community has to offer.