Travel South Dakota

Our emails didn't just land in inboxes, they landed awards! ?? In collaboration with Lawrence & Schiller, our email marketing campaigns earned Best of Class – Online/Interactive and two Gold ADDYs at the 59th Annual American Advertising Awards! We’re all about inspiring visitors, driving tourism growth, and sharing what makes South Dakota special. Our Insights Email is making waves by keeping the tourism industry in the loop in a fun, engaging way. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gdMS_fpk

Mark your calendars for the FREE Spring Customer Service Seminars! Join Travel South Dakota and South Dakota Retailers Association in welcoming this year's speaker, Rebecca Heiss, PhD (she/her), as she shares her message to hospitality frontline workers in seven communities. Deadwood - May 12 Custer - May 12 Rapid City - May 13 Pierre - May 13 Sioux Falls - May 14 Yankton - May 14 De Smet - May 15 No registration required. For more information, visit https://lnkd.in/gBdQUHWg

It's another big week at Travel South Dakota! James D. Hagen, South Dakota’s Secretary of Tourism, has officially joined the U.S. Travel Association's executive board! As a key player in the $2.8 trillion travel industry, the U.S. Travel Association works to boost tourism and its economic impact nationwide. Hagen will be contributing to this mission and helping shape the future of travel across the U.S. Hagen’s leadership in South Dakota has been nothing short of incredible. Under his watch, the state’s tourism industry continues to break records, with 14.9 million visitors bringing in $5.09 billion in visitor spending last year! Read more here: https://lnkd.in/evXDEr6A

Samantha Brown has officially added South Dakota to her list of favorite destinations on "Places to Love!" Season eight of Samantha Brown's "Places to Love" features a brand new episode all about South Dakota! The Black Hills take center stage as Samantha explores iconic destinations like Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, and the historic town of Deadwood. This 30-minute episode dives into scenic drives, local businesses, Lakota culture, and the rich history of the region. Catch it now on PBS.org or the PBS app, and don’t miss the broadcast on SDPB on March 29 at 3:30 p.m. CT. Check out the press release here: https://lnkd.in/ghpg_dCy

Travel South Dakota had a big night at the HSMAI Adrian Awards in New York City, winning nine awards for travel marketing excellence! This prestigious recognition showcases the best travel campaigns globally, and we're so proud to be recognized among the top! Here are some highlights: ?? Gold Awards: A PR campaign with The Wall Street Journal, highlighting the economic impact of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and putting South Dakota’s biggest event front and center for a national audience. Our "So Much South Dakota, So Little Time" shoulder season campaign, proving that winter is the perfect time to visit South Dakota! Check out the full list of awards and press release here: https://lnkd.in/gE3cGzQX Karsh Hagan Lou Hammond Group Love Communications Miles Partnership Lawrence & Schiller

In January, Cole Irwin, Global Travel & Trade Senior Director, led Travel South Dakota's first-ever sales mission to India, participating in Brand USA’s India Mission held in Hyderabad. India is the fastest-growing international market for inbound travel to the United States and ranks as the second-largest overseas market, following the United Kingdom. Throughout the mission, Cole conducted 75 one-on-one meetings with leading Indian tour operators, giving South Dakota the chance to shine as a premier travel destination. These engagements allowed us to establish valuable industry connections and strategically position South Dakota to attract a greater number of Indian travelers. Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue building these relationships and growing South Dakota’s presence in this key international market.

?? Discover South Dakota: Iconic Landmarks, Scenic Parks & Historic Adventures ?? Looking for a memorable group travel experience? South Dakota offers breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and group-friendly attractions perfect for any itinerary. ?? Mount Rushmore National Memorial – A symbol of democracy and leadership, featuring a stunning evening lighting ceremony. ?? Badlands National Park – A rugged wonderland of striking rock formations, scenic drives, and abundant wildlife. ?? Ingalls Homestead – Step into pioneer life with covered wagon rides and hands-on experiences inspired by Little House on the Prairie. With diverse outdoor adventures, historic sites, and top-notch group accommodations, South Dakota is a must-visit destination for travelers of all kinds. Start planning your next trip today with Travel South Dakota. ???

Exciting news! Travel South Dakota proudly unveiled its Destination Development Program at the 2025 South Dakota Governor's Conference on Tourism. This initiative is aimed at empowering rural communities and businesses to thrive through responsible tourism growth. This program focuses on: ? Expanding tourism opportunities across the state. ? Enhancing local economies and supporting businesses. ? Attracting visitors to discover authentic products, experiences, and services in diverse destinations. By fostering collaboration and providing resources, this initiative will ensure that more residents and businesses can share in the benefits of a thriving tourism industry. Together, we're building a stronger, more unified foundation for prosperity in South Dakota's rural communities. For more info, please visit https://lnkd.in/gWajPnkH

Reflecting on an incredible 2025 South Dakota Governor’s Conference on Tourism! A huge thank you to our attendees, speakers, exhibitors, and sponsors for your passion and dedication to the tourism industry. From inspiring speakers to innovative strategies, it’s clear that South Dakota’s future is bright. Grateful for the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and collaborate on new ways to elevate our state as a top destination. See you next year!

Kicking off the 2025 South Dakota Governor's Conference on Tourism this week with record-breaking attendance! We are excited to welcome 600 attendees, including nearly 200 newcomers, from across the state and beyond to this year's conference. It's a fantastic opportunity to connect, share insights, and collaborate on how we can continue to grow and promote South Dakota as a premier travel destination. A huge thank you to all of our speakers, sponsors, and participants for making this event possible. Let's make the most of this inspiring time together! https://lnkd.in/gRrdPAWx