Destination Development Program
Empowering Rural Communities to Grow Tourism While Stewarding Local Resources

Tourism is a cornerstone of South Dakota's economy, offering a unique opportunity to spread its benefits across communities statewide. In 2024, the state welcomed 14.9 million visitors, who spent a record $5.09 billion—a 2.8% increase from the previous year. This spending supported 58,824 jobs, providing $2.2 billion in income to South Dakota families. Additionally, tourism generated $399 million in state and local tax revenue, reducing the tax burden on residents.

As travel preferences evolve, today’s visitors increasingly seek meaningful connections that immerse them in local culture, traditions, and natural landscapes. This growing demand for authentic experiences presents a valuable opportunity for rural South Dakota to collaborate and develop strategies that tap into this trend, bolstering the state’s tourism offerings. To harness this potential, Travel South Dakota is developing a Destination Development Program.
 

ELMENTS & ELIGIBILITY        SURVEY        TIMELINE       CONTACT

About

The Destination Development Program is aimed at empowering rural communities and businesses to grow, manage, and promote tourism responsibly. Expanding tourism opportunities across the state enhances local economies, supports businesses, and attracts visitors to diverse destinations offering new, authentic tourism products, experiences, and services. This initiative will enable more residents and businesses to benefit from the advantages of tourism, creating a stronger and more unified foundation for prosperity in South Dakota's rural communities.

Destination Development Program one-sheeter

Elements & Eligibility

Key program elements:

  • Tourism product assessment and strategy development
  • Stakeholder engagement and capacity building
  • Product development implementation support

This program will provide selected communities and businesses with:

  • Expert guidance on developing authentic tourism products and experiences
  • Training on working together to manage tourism in a responsible way
  • Small grants for tourism product development projects
  • Access to Travel South Dakota marketing opportunities

Who is this program for?

  • Rural communities with populations under 30,000
  • Areas with untapped tourism potential or those needing revitalization
  • Eligible applicants:
    • Local or Regional Governments
    • Destination Marketing Organizations / Convention and Visitor Bureaus
    • Chambers of Commerce
    • Tourism Business Owners / Operators (lodging, retail, guide services/adventures/outfitters, dining, arts/museums)
    • Tribal Governments & Organizations
    • Nonprofit Organizations

Applications will be welcome from individual communities or from multiple communities collaborating on a regional project. See the Timeline, below.

Survey

We aim to design a Destination Development Program that aligns with the needs and aspirations of rural communities and businesses across South Dakota. Your feedback is essential in shaping this program.

Help us understand your community’s tourism landscape—its opportunities, challenges, and the resources that would be most valuable to you. Your input will guide us in creating a program that supports your goals and strengthens South Dakota’s tourism industry.

Please take 10–15 minutes to complete our brief survey and share your thoughts. Your voice matters!

SURVEY DEADLINE: Friday, February 28, 2025

Destination Development Survey

2025 Timeline

We invite your community to participate in the initial phase of the Destination Development Program. In fall 2025, we will launch the pilot phase in selected communities. 

To stay informed and ensure you don’t miss any updates, please take note of these key dates, and stay tuned to our Travel South Dakota industry emails

  • Industry Announcement and Survey: January-February 2025
  • Webinar and Info Sessions: July 2025 
  • Applications Open: Early August 2025 
  • Application Deadline: Late August 2025 
  • Selected Communities Announced: September 2025


Do you have questions or need more information about the Destination Development Program? We’re here to help! Whether you're interested in learning more about the program, providing feedback, or seeking support, our team is ready to assist.

FOR INFORMATION

For more information, please contact Ciara Forest, Destination Development Manager & Industry Liaison, at 605-773-3301 or [email protected].