3/13/2025
PIERRE, S.D. – Each of South Dakota’s four tourism regions showed an increase in visitor spending in 2024, according to a recent detailed analysis of visitor spending in South Dakota. Conducted by Tourism Economics, the latest report shows that visitor spending continues to grow, positively affecting every county in South Dakota through taxable sales, job creation, and wages.
The Black Hills and Badlands (2.4%) and Southeast (4.5%) regions both saw significant growth in visitor spending last year. Both the Glacial Lakes & Prairies and the Missouri River regions saw positive (0.2%) growth in this category in 2024.
Total visitor spending in South Dakota reached a record high of $5.09 billion, a 2.8% increase compared to 2023.
“South Dakota’s breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant communities captivate visitors from across the world. said Governor Larry Rhoden. “In 2024, tourism supported more than 58,000 jobs for South Dakotans and provided $2.2 billion in household income to those families.”
The top 10 counties with annual growth were evenly distributed across the state, including Potter (12.3%), Ziebach (12%), Turner (11.1%), Mellette (9.5%), Deuel (7.1%), Clark (6.8%), Custer (6.2%), Day (6%), Douglas (5.9%), and Roberts (5.7%). This regionally diverse growth highlights how tourism benefits counties of all sizes, including rural areas and larger travel hubs.
“Our industry has so much to be proud of,” said James Hagen, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Tourism. “The widespread growth across counties and regions, both large and small, demonstrates just how eager visitors are to experience every corner of our state. The tourism industry is strong, united and continues to work hard to cross promote attractions, parks and businesses from one end of the state to the other. That unity is providing an essential economic boost to our state and local communities.”
To view the full Tourism Economics County and Region Level Impact 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:
- Source: Tourism Economics
- All stats reflect calendar year 2024 numbers over 2023 unless otherwise noted.
CONTACT
Katlyn Svendsen, Global Public Relations & Content Services Senior Director
Travel South Dakota
Email: [email protected]