ND officials tout tourism

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — State officials say recent studies show North Dakota is outpacing the nation in tourism growth.

Gov. John Hoeven says the tourism industry is a strong contributor to North Dakota's positive economic climate.

The studies include research by IHS Global Insight, Longwoods International, Statistics Canada, the U.S. Travel Association and North Dakota State University.

The IHS Global Insight study commissioned by North Dakota Tourism indicates the state's core tourism grew by 10.7 percent from 2006 to 2008, compared to a national growth rate of 8.1 percent. Core tourism includes the industries of accommodations, entertainment, retail, dining and transportation.