Xinyi Qian is the director of the University of Minnesota Tourism Center. As the director, Qian oversees the Center's strategic directions, manages the Center's operation, actively engages the advisory committee, builds and maintains relationships with strategic partners and industry sectors, and oversees the Center's communications, media, and social media strategies and work. Qian also conducts applied research on a variety of topics related to travel and tourism, including visitor behaviors, active transportation, and shared mobility. Her research has informed policies related to bicycling, and her visitor profile work has informed marketing and branding decisions in various Minnesota tourism destinations.
Prior to joining the Tourism Center, Qian was a research associate in the Department of Forest Resources at University of Minnesota. She received her PhD in recreation, park, and tourism management from the Pennsylvania State University.