SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – Tourism represents significant economic activity in South Dakota.
The previous year saw almost 15 million tourists contributing more than $5 billion statewide. During their recent visit to Sioux Falls, Gary and Lori Cocking took pleasure in visiting Falls Park.
“It’s beautiful,” Lori Cocking remarked.
The couple from Minnesota was in town visiting their relatives.
Lori Cocking mentioned, “It offers both urban and quaint small-town charm, navigating through it is simple, and everyone seems very friendly.”
Whether you’re captivated by cascading waterfalls, excited about zooming down waterslides, or fascinated by artwork, numerous attractions entice visitors to Sioux Falls.
“You’d be surprised by the number of food enthusiasts who visit this place for a meal,” stated Teri Schmidt from Experience Sioux Falls.
Approximately 70 miles west of Sioux Falls lies Mitchell, which is also attracting visitors.
The Corn Palace is a must-see attraction for tourists.
“We prepare throughout the entire year. This period is crucial for us, and it’s also very important for the state,” stated Dave Sietsema from the Corn Palace.
Johanna Allen from the Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce indicates that the prospects for the tourist season look promising, even though visitors might be more cautious about spending money.
We anticipate strong figures,” Allen stated. “My view is that we should focus more on the out-of-state regional market, particularly areas such as Minnesota, Nebraska, and Iowa. People are trying to cut costs due to economic concerns.
Schmidt indicates that a comparable pattern might emerge among tourists visiting the city as well.
“We understand that people have a desire to travel. That much is clear, however, if their concerns persist, they might opt for a short trip lasting three or four days rather than a longer one spanning two weeks. This is just speculation at this point, but we’re noticing an uptick in visitor counts at Falls Park,” Schmidt stated.
Jim Hagen, the secretary of tourism for South Dakota, notes that visitors tend to be mindful of prices; however, South Dakota benefits from numerous advantageous factors.
“One, customers are emphasizing their desire for an economical getaway coupled with a family-oriented environment. South Dakota excels at providing exactly this abundance of both aspects. Furthermore, visitors express interest in distinctive activities within both small towns and urban centers—South Dakota offers plenty such opportunities here as well. Additionally, people mention wanting to explore hidden treasures specific to South Dakota; we’ve got numerous options available here too. Lastly, tourists clearly state their wish to enjoy nature’s splendor—the Great Outdoors—you’ll find all you seek right here in South Dakota,” explained Hagen.
Hagen mentions that the tourism department is implementing measures to attract those visitors to the state.
We’ve truly shifted our messaging now. While we maintain a nationwide approach with our marketing campaigns, we’re also tailoring them at a regional level due to consumer feedback indicating they prefer traveling closer to home rather than venturing too far,” explained Hagen. “People are expressing their desire for more localized trips, so we’re concentrating efforts specifically on those regional areas.
Schmidt mentions that her group is intensifying their efforts as well.
“Not just social media, but also visitor guides—we’re aiming to distribute them widely. We’re engaging with people directly. Our advertising efforts extend beyond the U.S., though they focus primarily within the country, specifically targeting the markets where we’ve seen strong travel activity previously,” Schmidt stated.
“Overall, I remain hopeful that we’ll have a strong summer,” Hagen stated.
There’s still plenty of summertime remaining for visitors to explore all that South Dakota has to offer.
Hagen mentions that there has been a decline in Canadian tourists across the country. Schmidt states that the statistics from the Falls Visitor Center indicate a similar reduction as well.
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