9/22/2026
PIERRE, S.D. – Travel South Dakota has earned international recognition for its digital marketing efforts, with TravelSouthDakota.com – From Inspiration to Visitation named an Outstanding Website in the Web Marketing Association’s 2026 WebAwards Competition.
“This recognition reflects the tremendous work that goes into making TravelSouthDakota.com more than a place to find travel information,” said James Hagen, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Tourism. “Our goal is to inspire people to experience South Dakota while giving them the tools and information they need to turn that inspiration into an actual trip.”
Now in its 30th year, the WebAwards recognize excellence in website development across industries worldwide. Entries are evaluated by a panel of industry professionals based on seven criteria: design, innovation, content, technology, interactivity, copywriting and ease of use.
TravelSouthDakota.com serves leisure travelers who are researching, planning or booking a trip. Its audience spans first-time visitors who need help simplifying a vast geography, and repeat visitors looking to discover lesser-known, year-round seasonal experiences. Designed to engage travelers throughout the trip-planning process, the site moves users from inspiration to visitation in a single session, pairing emotive storytelling and high-impact visuals with practical trip-planning tools, regional guides and partner referrals.
The website underwent a major overhaul last year and relaunched on July 20, 2025. The redesign turned inspiration into measurable action, driving an impressive 30% increase in sessions.
“Every visit to TravelSouthDakota.com represents an opportunity to introduce someone to a part of South Dakota they may not have considered before,” Hagen said. “Ultimately, that’s what this work is about — turning curiosity into exploration and inspiring travelers to experience the people, places and stories that make South Dakota special.”
For more information and inspiration for planning a South Dakota vacation, visit TravelSouthDakota.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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About the WebAwards
The Web Marketing Association’s WebAwards Competition recognizes excellence in website development across a wide range of industries. The 2026 competition marks the 30th annual WebAwards, with entries evaluated by industry professionals based on design, innovation, content, technology, interactivity, copywriting and ease of use.
CONTACT
Katlyn Svendsen, Global Public Relations & Content Services Senior Director
Travel South Dakota
Email: [email protected]