PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota joins states, cities and travel-related businesses nationwide in recognition of National Travel & Tourism Week (NTTW) to be held May 4-12. The week celebrates the travel and tourism industry and the economic and social contributions it brings to the country.

“Travel supports 14.6 million jobs across the nation, including nearly 30,000 here in South Dakota,” said Jim Hagen, Secretary of the Department of Tourism. “This week we celebrate the benefits of travel in our state, and we’re spreading the word about the positive effect travel has on South Dakota’s economy and people.”

This year’s NTTW theme is “Travel Effect.” Travel Effect research proves that along with its economic benefits, travel has the power to improve relationships and to create lasting family memories. Additional studies include measuring the bottom-line impact of business travel and the impact of government meetings on public- and private-sector development and local communities. More information is available at www.traveleffect.com.

“Travel is a force that can drive our nation’s economic recovery. It is one of the healthiest sectors in terms of job creation and hiring, employing one out of every eight Americans,” said Roger Dow, president and CEO of U.S. Travel Association, the umbrella organization representing the U.S. travel industry. “We are galvanizing support to spread awareness of the Travel Effect to showcase the power of our industry and its impact on not only our economy and businesses, but also on our health, education and relationships.”

Travel and tourism is a $1.95 billion industry for South Dakota, providing 1 out of 11 jobs and generating $291 million in local tax revenue. Travel employs a broad and diverse workforce, from airline and hotel employees to restaurant, attraction and retail workers. Travel further supports employees in other industry sectors, such as construction, manufacturing and finance.

The South Dakota Department of Tourism is comprised of Tourism, the South Dakota Arts Council, and the South Dakota State Historical Society. The Department is led by Secretary James D. Hagen.

-30-