2/25/2025
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s Secretary of Tourism James D. Hagen has been confirmed to serve on the U.S. Travel Association's executive board.
The U.S. Travel Association advocates for the $2.8 trillion travel industry, promoting policies and initiatives that drive tourism growth and economic impact across the U.S. As a board member, Hagen will contribute to advancing the association’s mission to shape, support, and advocate for the future of travel.
“The U.S. Travel Association plays a critical role in shaping the policies and opportunities that drive success for tourism in South Dakota and across our country,” said Hagen. “I am honored to join this esteemed board and look forward to working alongside industry leaders to champion initiatives that strengthen our local economies.”
Hagen has served as South Dakota’s Secretary of Tourism since 2011. After nearly 14 years of leading the department, he remains as passionate as ever about seeing the tourism industry flourish in The Mount Rushmore State.
“Secretary Hagen has elevated South Dakota's tourism industry to new heights with his visionary leadership and strategic expertise,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “We are proud to have him shaping the future of national travel and representing South Dakota and the broader western region in this prestigious role.”
Under Hagen’s leadership, South Dakota’s tourism industry continues to set economic impact and visitation records year after year. In 2024, South Dakota welcomed 14.9 million visitors, generating $5.09 billion in visitor spending, continuing a trend of record-setting growth for the state’s tourism industry.
Hagen’s leadership in national tourism policy includes serving on the National Travel and Tourism Advisory Board from 2014-2018, chairing the U.S. Travel Association’s Membership Governance Committee, and holding a two-year term as chairman of the National Council of State Tourism Directors. He currently serves as vice chair of the Western States Tourism Policy Council. A nationally recognized leader in tourism, Hagen was named National State Tourism Director of the Year in 2014. In 2021, then-Governor Kristi Noem presented him with the Ben Black Elk Award, the highest honor in South Dakota’s tourism industry, recognizing his lifetime contributions to the state’s tourism success.
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Sec. James Hagen images: For downloadable images of Sec. Hagen, view this link. Credit: Travel South Dakota
Media Notes: Before the leading the Department of Tourism, Hagen served 4.5 years as the National Fundraising and Public Relations Director for the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation. From 2004-2006, he served as South Dakota’s Secretary of Tourism and State Development. From 1995-2002, he served as Chief of Staff and Special Advisor to Governor Bill Janklow.
CONTACT
Katlyn Svendsen, Global Public Relations & Content Services Senior Director
Travel South Dakota
Email: [email protected]