Department of Tourism
For Immediate Release:  September 6, 2002
Contact:  Lee Harstad (605) 773-3301 or lee.harstad@state.sd.us

DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM WINS MERCURY AWARD

The Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) bestowed one of its highest honors to the South Dakota Department of Tourism.  TIA awarded a Mercury Award to the department, recognizing the quality of its publication, "A Guide to the Great Sioux Nation." 

The Mercury Award recognizes excellence and creative accomplishment in travel promotion.  It also recognizes the development of exciting destination promotion programs and activities.  Sixteen Mercury Awards were presented by TIA this year.

"A Guide to the Great Sioux Nation" won the category of visitor's guide, non-advertising supported.  The award, given annually by the Travel Industry Association of America and the National Council of State Travel Directors, is an advertising and marketing competition involving all 50 states.  South Dakota Department of Tourism Cabinet Secretary Patricia Van Gerpen accepted the award during TIA's annual Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations in Portland, Oregon.

This print piece was created in cooperation with all nine tribal governments and the South Dakota Department of Tourism.  Staff members with the department did the writing, photography and designing with writing and editorial guidance by the tribes.  Five tribes helped fund the booklet, and all tribes and the department distribute the piece. 

The South Dakota Department of Tourism also won Mercury Awards in 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997 and 1988.

"A Guide to the Great Sioux Nation" and other publications produced by the South Dakota Department of Tourism can be found at numerous locations across the state, including Interstate Information Centers or by calling 1-800-SDAKOTA (1-800-732-5682).  Information and request forms, components of this Guide, as well as general South Dakota travel information can also be found online at www.travelsd.com.

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