Tourism
State seeks pledges to explore South Dakota respectfully
Modern information sharing means there are almost no undiscovered places anymore, and that’s led to some negative effects that state tourism officials are trying to counteract. Travel South Dakota, an arm of the state Department of Tourism, is launching a campaign encouraging visitors and South Dakotans to pledge that they’ll travel respectfully. The campaign, which […]
Native-led tourism alliance launches ‘economic catalyst’ tours on reservations
South Dakota has fed off the state’s connection to Native American history and heritage for decades, helping to propel the state’s tourism industry to a reported $7.6 billion economic impact in 2022. The tourism crown jewel of South Dakota, the Black Hills, is a sacred place for the tribes that make up the Great Sioux […]
Volatile, costly international visa program strains SD’s tourism industry
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first of two stories examining the challenges some South Dakota businesses face as they attempt to hire international workers. The second story examines challenges in the agricultural industry. — Janet Boyer estimates she spent over $40,000 arranging housing for international workers and transporting them to the Black Hills before she […]
New state grant program aims to lure last-minute summer tourists
RAPID CITY — Gov. Kristi Noem announced the creation of a $200,000 grant program for tourism businesses Wednesday at Reptile Gardens in the Black Hills. Noem cited industry data indicating 91% of this summer’s travelers already have their trips planned. She wants the grant money to help South Dakota businesses target the remaining 9% of […]
Noem’s TikTok ban kills tourism account, leaves other state entities mulling options
The South Dakota Department of Tourism deleted its TikTok account Tuesday, abandoning the 61,200 followers and 1.7 million likes the state agency cultivated on the popular social media app. And South Dakota State University is meeting with its general counsel on how to handle its 9,000-follower TikTok account — all after Gov. Kristi Noem banned […]