The Visitor Beat
Welcome to The Visitor Beat, the monthly newsletter of Experience Sioux Falls. Stay up-to-date on what's going on locally in the travel industry, as well as what's trending nationally.
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Southeast South Dakota Region Led 2024 in Visitor Spending
Travel South Dakota recently published a report conducted by Tourism Economics which showed an increase in visitor spending for all four tourism regions in 2024. The Southeast region led the way, making up 40.2% of visitor spending statewide in 2024, which was a 4.5% increase over 2023.
Total visitor spending in South Dakota reached a record $5.09 billion, an increase of 2.8% over 2023.
“South Dakota’s breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant communities captivate visitors from across the world,” said Governor Larry Rhoden in a press release from Travel South Dakota. “In 2024, tourism supported more than 58,000 jobs for South Dakotans and provided $2.2 billion in household income to those families.”
Free Spring Customer Service Seminar
Mark your calendar to attend a free customer service seminar on Wednesday, May 14, at Monick Yards where stress physiologist Dr. Rebecca Heiss will share her “fear(less)” message to inspire hope and actionable insights to train our brains to work for us, rather than against us in times of change and uncertainty.
Travel South Dakota has partnered with the South Dakota Retailers Association to host seven seminars across the state. Anyone involved in businesses related to hospitality and tourism is encouraged to attend.
Experience Sioux Falls to Sell Sports Venues at Upcoming Show
Experience Sioux Falls Sales Manager, Brandon Vant Hul, will be traveling to Tulsa, OK, this month to attend the Sports Events & Tourism Association Symposium where he will be meeting with sports planners from around the country who are looking for destinations to hold their events in. Vant Hul will be meeting with nearly 30 sports planners during this pre-set appointment-based style show.
The planners at this show represent a variety of sports events, both big and small. Vant Hul will be showcasing a multitude of sports venues in Sioux Falls to fit the needs and wants of each planner.
Southeast South Dakota Annual Meeting & Lit Drop
Southeast South Dakota will be holding its Annual Meeting on May 1 in Yankton at the NFAA Easton Yankton Archery Center. During the meeting attendees will hear from South Dakota Secretary of Tourism Jim Hagen, Southeast South Dakota Executive Director Kasi Haberman, and several other industry professionals in the region. Southeast South Dakota will also be presenting the 2025 Innovation Award to the winner during the event.
The Annual Meeting will be combined with a Lit Drop event where you can drop off your registered marketing materials to be distributed to the South Dakota Interstate Welcome Centers for display.
American Jump Rope Federation National Championship
The American Jump Rope Federation National Championship is coming to Sioux Falls June 30 – July 3 where the best jump rope athletes from around the country will be competing in several different categories. The event will be held at the Elmen Center on the campus of Augustana University.
Event organizers are seeking volunteers to help with a variety of tasks before, during, and after the National Championship such as event set up, greeter, packing gift bags, and more.
Are you interested in showcasing your business at the 2025 American Jump Rope National Championship? Event organizers are looking for vendors. If you would like to be a part of this exciting event or have questions, please reach out to Kathy Scott at Kathy.Scott@amjrf.com by April 20.
Sioux Falls Represented at National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic
Experience Sioux Falls (ESF) had a presence at the 2025 National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic a few weeks ago in Kansas City. The ESF booth was located near other South Dakota destination booths like Travel South Dakota, Southeast South Dakota, Visit Aberdeen, and more.
Nearly 24,000 people attended the three-day event which combines a national consumer show, wildlife habitat seminar series, and family activities. ESF reports a strong level of interest in the southeast region of the state for both hunting and leisure visits following conversations with event attendees at the ESF booth.
