FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Mon., May 15, 2023
CONTACT: Katlyn Svendsen, Global Media & Public Relations Director, Travel South Dakota, 605-773-3301

South Dakota Residents Overwhelmingly Support Tourism

PIERRE, S.D. –  When it comes to supporting the tourism industry, South Dakotans are leaps and bounds ahead of other states, according to a recent survey.

During National Travel & Tourism Week, Governor Kristi Noem touted the great amount of support that South Dakota residents have for the tourism industry.

Travel South Dakota partnered with Longwoods International in December 2022 to conduct a research study designed to better understand how residents of the state interact with and think about tourism. The results show tremendous support for the industry, with South Dakota’s results ranking among the highest of any state during the study’s four years of existence.

“Every day, South Dakotans witness and recognize the power of tourism in their state,” said Governor Kristi Noem. “Tourism supports jobs, eases the tax burden, and allows us to continue to introduce our Great Faces and Great Places to new and returning visitors every year.”

The report found that:

• 8 in 10 residents surveyed think tourism is good for the state, and they believe South Dakota benefits from a strong tourism industry.
  
  
• 7 in 10 residents care about the success of the tourism industry in The Mount Rushmore State and believe the positive benefits of tourism far outweigh any negative impacts.

• 7 in 10 residents surveyed support tourism growth and believe tourism should be encouraged in South Dakota. This shows that the development of tourism-related businesses and activities is strongly supported by residents.

“The resident is the most important stakeholder in every destination, and our study shows that, overall, a strong majority of South Dakotans approve of, appreciate, and understand the economic and quality of life benefits that tourism brings to the state,” said Amir Eylon, President & CEO of Longwoods International.

Using regional and national benchmarks, the national study showed that a larger share of South Dakota residents support tourism and its development, growth, and positive attributes than their national and regional counterparts.

The survey was taken by South Dakota residents across all regions of the state. The sample was not biased to the industry, as 93% of respondents to the survey do not have anyone in their households employed in the tourism and hospitality industry. A full report of the resident sentiment survey can be found on SDVisit.com.

The South Dakota Department of Tourism is comprised of Travel South Dakota and the South Dakota Arts Council. The Department is led by Secretary James D. Hagen.

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MEDIA NOTES:
Source: Longwoods International

The full resident sentiment report can be found here: https://sdvisit.com/sites/default/files/2023-05/Travel-South-Dakota_Resident-Sentiment-Study_March2023.pdf