6 Broadcaster Press January 29, 2019 www.broadcasteronline.com Tourism Experiences Record Growth In 2018 PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota tourism industry has grown again for the ninth straight year, reaching record levels of visitors, visitor spending and impact on the state’s economy. According to a new study by Tourism Economics, visitor spending in South Dakota totaled $3.98 billion, an increase of 2.5 percent over the previous year. Visitation to the state grew to 14.1 million visitors, an increase of 1.4 percent over 2017. These dollars flowed through the economy and contributed $2.66 billion in GDP, an increase of 2.5 percent. “Tourism is an incredibly important industry in our state, and we are excited to see yet another year of growth,” said James Hagen, Secretary of the Department of Tourism. “Our targeted marketing, extensive media coverage, public relations outreach and the hard work of our industry members contributed to this success. Tourism is an economic engine for the state, employing nearly 55,000 South Dakotans and generating 11 percent of state sales tax collections.” In 2018, tourism generated $298 million in state and local tax revenue. Without tourism in South Dakota, each household would pay an additional $865 more in taxes each year. The department partnered with Longwoods International, a renowned tourism research company, to measure the return on investment of the department’s marketing. The findings showed that the new marketing campaign efforts for 2018 proved to be a worthwhile investment, with a return of $3 in state tax revenue generated for every $1 spent on tourism marketing. 2018 economic impact stats*: •$3.98 billion – amount of visitor spend- ing, an increase of 2.5 percent •14.1 million – number of visitors that came to South Dakota, an increase of 1.4 percent •$2.66 billion – amount of GDP contributed to the state’s economy, an increase of 2.5 percent, representing 5.2 percent of the South Dakota economy. •$298 million – state and local tax dollars generated by travel and tourism activity, an increase of $7 million •$865 – the amount of tax dollars each South Dakota household saves because of the tourism industry •54,723 – number of jobs sustained by the tourism industry, 8.9 percent of all South Dakota jobs Additional 2018 travel indicators: •58 percent – average hotel occupancy for the year •11.5 million – number of visitors to South Dakota’s state and national parks •12.4 million – number of hotel room nights booked in 2018 •783,000 – airport arrivals at Sioux Falls and Rapid City Regional Airports •$69.9 million – amount of advertising value earned through domestic and international public relations efforts in calendar year 2018 •5.25 billion – number of impressions earned through domestic and international public relations efforts in calendar year 2018 To view the full Tourism Economics and Longwoods International reports, visit www.SDVisit.com. The South Dakota Department of Tourism is comprised of Tourism and the South Dakota Arts Council. The department is led by Secretary James Hagen. Tourism Industry Professionals Honored By Governor Noem PIERRE, SD – On Thursday evening, Governor Kristi Noem and the South Dakota Department of Tourism presented awards to tourism industry members at the 2019 Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Pierre. The 10th Annual Rooster Rush Cacklin’ Community Award went to the community of Aberdeen for its efforts to welcome pheasant hunters to the state. The Aberdeen Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) provided service and hospitality from the moment hunters stepped off the plane by serving pheasant sandwiches and providing gift bags. The hospitality continued at hotel check-in, and the CVB hosted unique events like the Pheasant Sandwich Shootout. The George S. Mickelson Great Service Awards were given to Reptile Gardens in Rapid City and the Swiftel Center in Brookings. This award honors businesses, communities or organizations that have done an exemplary job of customer service and exceeding visitor expectations. “The Swiftel Center is taking a unique look at motivating and educating their staff to provide high levels of customer service. Whether a full-time or part-time employee, they are demonstrating what peoplefirst service look like and are seeing the benefits of their excellence,” said Governor Noem. “After 80 years, Reptile Gardens is no stranger to customer service, and they continue to see strong reviews of their business while also supporting their neighboring attractions as friends and partners.” The Excellence in Tourism Innovation Award is given to an industry partner for their innovative thinking in making their destination, business or attraction even more appealing to visitors. This year’s award was given to Wylie Park and Storybook Land in Aberdeen for their unique special promotions and overall elevation of the visitor experience. “Wylie Park and Storybook Land has been wowing visitors for more than 40 years, becoming one of the top ten municipal parks in the entire nation,” said Noem. “It was an exciting year for them to welcome their one millionth passenger on their world-famous train, and I look forward to hearing what the next million have to say about this iconic South Dakota attraction.” In its second year, the Ruth Ziolkowski* Outstanding Hospitality & Customer Service Award was given to four industry members from across the state. This award honors tourism industry professionals who display outstanding and genuine hospitality to visitors. The awards were given to Amanda Allcock from Crazy Horse Memorial, Inez Muilenburg* from the Super 8 Hotel in Huron, Nova Steinhauser* from the Platte Creek Lodge, and Jaqueline Wentworth from the Sioux Falls CVB. “Each of these winners exemplifies what it means to deliver remarkable service to visitors. Their work demonstrates an outstanding spirit of hospitality, warmth and genuine kindness,” said Noem. “A little bit of kindness goes a long way today, and the efforts these four are making do not go unnoticed.” The A. H. Pankow Award recognizes a representative of the media for showing superior interest in and coverage of the South Dakota tourism industry. Mike Tanner from KWAT Radio in Watertown was awarded for his continued efforts to spread the word on the importance of tour- Market Yourself Broadcaster Press Increase your business’s exposure, build connections and multiply opportunities with effective print advertising. 201 W Cherry St. • Vermillion • 624-4429 1345 Open pOsitiOns: • Physical Plant Specialist – HVAC Saturday - Wednesday • 3:30pm - 12:00am • Facility Worker - Custodial 11:30am - 8:00pm & 7:30pm - 4:00am Friday - Monday • 8:00am - 6:30pm • Building Maintenance Specialist - Plumber Monday - Friday • 7:30am - 4:00pm • Building Maintenance Worker Saturday - Wednesday • 7:30am - 4:00pm For complete detailed descriptions and to apply, go to http://yourfuture.sdbor.edu ism in South Dakota. “Mike Tanner is known across the region as a world-class emcee and radio host,” said Noem. “His unbiased coverage of South Dakota makes him a go-to resource for the latest headlines, including tourism news and live broadcasts from this tourism conference. I’m grateful for his service as one of my hometown newscasters.” Finally, the Ben Black Elk Award honors an individual who makes outstanding contributions to the state’s visitor industry. The winners of this outstanding award were Dennis and Sherry Povondra* for their dedicated efforts to the community of Tabor and its legendary Czech Days event. “Dennis and Sherry wear many hats in Tabor, and they do it to bolster a legacy for generations to come,” said Noem. “They have been involved with Czech Days quite literally their entire lives. Their role with Czech Days and all aspects of their community are valued and appreciated by many.” The South Dakota Department of Tourism is comprised of Tourism and the South Dakota Arts Council. The Department is led by Secretary James D. Hagen. The City of Vermillion is accepting applications for a full-time Police Officer. 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