The 2020 Governors Conference on Tourism wrapped up last week with a surprisingly positive report on last year’s visitation.
According to the annual study done by Tourism Economics, South Dakota welcomed fourteen point five million visitors, an increase of three-point one percent. This is the highest growth percentage the state has experienced since 2014.

Visitors to South Dakota spent four point one billion dollars, an increase of two-point eight percent over the previous year. This spending flowed through the economy and contributed two point seven five billion dollars in GDP, accounting for five-point two percent of the state’s economy. That was done despite early spring snow and major flooding.

State Tourism Department Secretary Jim Hagen says he saw some positive signs mid summer…

Hagen says they were able to make some quick adjustments to the states advertising campaigns…

Hagen says they focus in on visitor spending…

Hagen says the state’s messaging is now active twelve months a year. He says a major push this year will be into the Dallas market.