2024 SHOWS GROWTH FOR SOUTH DAKOTA'S TOURISM INDUSTRY

1/22/2025

PIERRE, S.D. – The tourism industry in South Dakota continues to thrive, with 2024 marking another year of record growth and economic contributions statewide.

According to the annual study conducted by Tourism Economics, South Dakota welcomed 14.9 million visitors, an increase of 1.4% over 2023. Those visitors spent $5.09 billion, an increase of 2.8% over 2023. James Hagen, the Secretary of the Department of Tourism, announced the state’s success at the 2025 South Dakota Governor’s Conference on Tourism.

“We are thrilled with the industry’s steady growth, and these accomplishments reflect our ongoing efforts to market South Dakota across the globe,” said Hagen. “We will continue our strategic efforts to promote South Dakota as a premier vacation destination.”

The tourism industry remains essential to South Dakota’s economy, providing an indispensable source of job creation and household income to thousands. 58,824 jobs in South Dakota were supported by the tourism industry, generating $2.24 billion of income for those families.

In 2024, tourism generated $398.7 million in state and local tax revenue. Tourism reduced the tax burden on South Dakota households by $1,105.

“These numbers display the vital role that tourism plays in South Dakota and our local economies,” said Hagen. “We are proud of the positive impact this industry has on our communities. Tourism in South Dakota creates jobs, generates state and local revenue, and enhances the quality of life for all South Dakota residents – greatly contributing to the strongest economy in America.”

As one of South Dakota’s leading industries, tourism fuels local business, and generates state and local tax revenue while showcasing the state’s rich heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and vast outdoor offerings.

Travel South Dakota indicates that a strong fall season, an excellent pheasant hunting season, and a rebound in international visitation, including visitors from Canada, contributed to 2024’s success.

To view the full 2024 Tourism Economics report, visit SDVisit.com.

The South Dakota Department of Tourism is comprised of Travel South Dakota and the South Dakota Arts Council. The Department is led by Secretary James D. Hagen.

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MEDIA NOTES:

  • KEY STATS
    • Visitor spending reached $5.09 billion, an increase of 2.8% over 2023
    • 14.9 million – number of visitors that came to South Dakota, an increase of 1.4% from 2023
    • 5.2 million – the number of hotel room nights booked in 2024
    • 8.7 million visitors to South Dakota’s state parks and 3.8 million visitors explored national parks in 2024
  • All data reflects 2024 calendar year (January – November) numbers over 2023 unless otherwise noted.
  • Sources: Tourism Economics, Longwoods International, Smith Travel Research, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks
  • Photos from this week’s tourism conference can be found here. Credit: Travel South Dakota

CONTACT

Katlyn Svendsen, Global Public Relations & Content Services Senior Director
Travel South Dakota
Email: [email protected]

 

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