DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM AND STATE DEVELOPMENT TO LAUNCH “HAVE YOU BEEN TO …?” CAMPAIGN 

The Department of Tourism and State Development, in partnership with nine local convention and visitors bureaus, will launch a new campaign this month. The “Have You Been To…?” campaign uses television, radio and newspaper ads to encourage South Dakotans to explore their own state. Equipped with first-hand knowledge about attractions, accommodations and services in their own communities, residents will be prepared to promote to visitors. 

“South Dakotans are a valuable resource in the promotion of our state. This campaign will make our residents aware of the unlimited opportunities that await visitors,” said John Calvin, secretary of the Department of Tourism and State Development. “Who better to tell a visitor which attractions are must-sees in Rapid City, which Hutterite colonies near Aberdeen offer cultural tours, which restaurants are local favorites in Sioux Falls or where the fish are biting in the river at Pierre than someone who lives there?” Calvin said.  

“Have You Been To…?” is a collaborative effort between the department and the Aberdeen CVB, Brookings CVB, Huron Chamber and Visitors Bureau, Corn Palace CVB of Mitchell, Pierre CTB, Rapid City CVB, Sioux Falls CVB, Spearfish CVB and Watertown CVB. The campaign ties into National Tourism Week, which is May 10-18. As part of the campaign, each organization is promoting a passport game to chamber members’ front-line employees. Passport game participants have the chance to win a $1,000 cash prize. One winner will be selected from all passport game participants statewide.  

Tourism has a significant impact on South Dakota’s economy. Last year, visitors spent $663 million on everything from lodging to souvenirs. The visitor industry generated more than $40 million in gas and sales tax revenue, and created jobs for more than 31,000 residents. 

More details about the visitor industry’s impact on South Dakota’s economy are available at the Department of Tourism and State Development’s visitor-industry Web site www.sdvisit.com. Visit www.travelsd.com for information on South Dakota’s Great Faces and Great Places or call 1-800-S-DAKOTA (1-800-732-5682) for a free South Dakota Vacation Guide.

National Tourism Week was established 20 years ago by the Travel Industry Association of America to promote a greater understanding of the importance of travel and tourism as a major U.S. industry.

2002 South Dakota Tourism Facts

·        Visitor spending: $663 million compared to $601 million in 2001.

·        Distribution of visitor spending: 
          56.8% Western South Dakota
          43.2% Eastern South Dakota

·        Economic impact: $1.66 billion statewide

·        Employment traceable to visitor industry: 31, 022 jobs

·        Gas and sales tax revenue: $40 million

·        Return on investment: $10 in gas and sales tax revenue is generated for every marketing 
         dollar spent by the Department of Tourism and State Development.

·        Visits to travelsd.com: More than 1.9 million, accounting for more than 5.6 million page 
         views.

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