April 30, 2020

Hello, Tourism Partners - 

Here are a few new items we want to share with you:

1. Our new webinar is ready for your viewing. In it, you will see the latest updates from the South Dakota District Office of the Small Business Administration about the new aid and relief programs available to tourism businesses; the latest research from Destination Analysts on consumer sentiment about travel; the latest insights from Smith Travel Research on how hotels in the nation and South Dakota are faring amidst this pandemic; tailored research insights from the Department of Tourism about how the state is doing at this time; updates on our marketing and public relations efforts (including plans for National Travel and Tourism Week and how you can get involved in that effort as well as new information about 605 Day); and answers to some questions submitted by industry partners.
    
2. Here is a health, cleaning and sanitizing resource webpage we just created on SDVisit.com for industry partners with great information and resources about how to keep your businesses safe and sanitized for visitors, as well as tips for restaurants, retailers, etc. We think you will find this information incredibly helpful.
    
3. We continue to make updates and additions to the COVID-19 resource page on SDVisit.com. Don’t forget to check this page for all the latest news and information from the department, the South Dakota Department of Health, the CDC and others.
    
4. Here’s a video that outlines our new “Great Places Are Waiting” campaign, including a new :60 TV spot.

We hope you find all of this information helpful. If we can be of any assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact me at [email protected]. THANK YOU for your support and help throughout the past month and a half. We ARE getting through this! Sending our best wishes for good health and an ever-increasing return to normal.

Sincerely,
Jim and Team

Jim Hagen
Secretary of Tourism