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Research & Reports - Visitation Forecast

Research & Reports

Travel South Dakota’s Visitation Forecast Model is a real-time estimate of what the volume of visitation might be 45 days out.

The model utilizes several data sources to function. The Adara Ecosystem provides hotel booking data. This data is sourced at a level of detail to allow an understanding of not just the booking itself, but when travelers will be staying in a destination. This is joined with STR reports to understand how well the booking data correlates with occupancy percentages at a real level, as well as transient lodging occupancy. To forecast beyond that, an Exponential Smoothing Model is deployed. Exponential Smoothing takes into account historical data, seasonal trends, and seasonal data to predict what visitation volume will look like three to four weeks out.

For more information, please contact Calvin Bloemendaal or call 605-773-3301.

(Please note that the dashboards are best viewed on desktop or laptop.)

Travel Indicators Dashboard Economic impact Dashboard

Visitation Forecast Dashboard

FOR INFORMATION

For more information, please contact Calvin Bloemendaal, Research Manager & Industry Liaison, at 605-773-3301 or [email protected].

Research & Reports - Economic Impact

Research & Reports

The travel sector is an integral part of the South Dakota economy. Visitors generate significant economic benefits to households, businesses, and governments alike and represent a critical driver of the state’s economy. The Economic Impact Dashboard provides statistics on the economic value of visitors to South Dakota. The analysis is commissioned by Travel South Dakota and is conducted by Tourism Economics.

For more information, please contact Calvin Bloemendaal or call 605-773-3301.

(Please note that the dashboards are best viewed on desktop or laptop.)

Travel Indicators Dashboard Visitation Forecast Dashboard

Economic Impact Dashboard

FOR INFORMATION

For more information, please contact Calvin Bloemendaal, Research Manager & Industry Liaison, at 605-773-3301 or [email protected].

May 7, 2025

TRAVEL SOUTH DAKOTA TO HOST ANNUAL SPRING CUSTOMER SERVICE SEMINARS

Details

South Dakota Tourism Industry

April Mile Marker

Gearing up for peak season

SDVisit.com is the official Travel South Dakota website where you'll find the latest tourism industry reports, initiatives, marketing tools, training opportunities and more.

Latest Updates

"My husband and I had a GREAT time in SD last month. Great places indeed: gorgeous scenery, lots of wildlife, wonderful hikes, and great food (including our first taste of chislic in Spearfish Canyon). ... I hope to get back to the Black Hills again as I didn't get to do everything I wanted to do because of rainstorms. Your promotional materials were very helpful, and we picked up additional materials at rest stops on I-90."

Visitor Comment - Maria from Pennsylvania

"Hello! We did receive our vacation guide and we had a wonderful time in Sioux Falls, Oacoma, and the Black Hills. We spent 5 days in the Black Hills and could have stayed longer had we the time! My best meal of the 18-day vacation was a bison steak dinner in Hill City! The scenic bi-way drive through the Hills was spectacular; esp. the Needles highway! And the Bad Lands were something from another planet!! Thank you for your help, information & friendly welcome to us."

Visitor Comment - Michael from Ohio

55,000 jobs were supported by tourism activity.

Economic Impact of Tourism in South Dakota, 2019 - Tourism Economics

“We just returned from a trip to the Black Hills. We were overwhelmed with the beauty of this area and the friendliness of your residents. The landscape...both natural and man-made...was breathtaking. The wildlife was something we had never before seen close-up. Thank you so much for offering all that you do. You should be very proud.”

Visitor Comment - Greg from Virginia

After being exposed to Tourism’s messaging, the number who believed South Dakota was a good place to live, attend college, start a business or even retire, all saw increases.

Economic Impact of Tourism in South Dakota, 2017 - Longwoods International

"We returned home a week ago from South Dakota. Wow! It was a wonderful place to spend the week. I can see why your state has become one of the hottest destinations I hear about, from different age groups. I’m telling everyone I know....'you gotta go'!”

Tour Operator Comment - Cindy from Illinois

"My wife and I spent 3 very relaxing and enjoyable weeks traveling your fine state in 2018. we had so much fun that we plan on coming back in 2019 and trying to see more of your wonderful sights and attractions."

Visitor Comment - Brian from New York

“We have just returned from visiting your wonderful state and it was pure magic! The sites are unbelievable and even better, your residents are the best. So kind, nice and very helpful. I wish I could live there. Your vacation guide was very helpful along, with your workers at the Visitor Stations. Once again, thanks for a fabulous and spectacular vacation.”

Visitor Comment - Paul from Baltimore

South Dakota Rally Rush - 2025

South Dakota Rally Rush 2025

Motorcycling is a major draw for South Dakota statewide. It is a tradition for many couples, families and friends across the state and around the country. Travel South Dakota is joining with South Dakota communities to celebrate this tradition with the Rally Rush campaign.

This program offers the opportunity to welcome riders into your communities. Don't miss the chance to get involved. Together, let's put our world-class hospitality on display as we welcome riders from around the world to experience the country's best riding.

PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Travel South Dakota is promoting the Rally Rush campaign statewide in an effort to involve as many communities as possible. We're prepared to help communities across the state get started with their own Rally Rush promotions.

We offer limited funding assistance to regional tourism associations, CVBs, chambers of commerce, economic development corporations/offices, and civic organizations. Requests will be reviewed and approved by Travel South Dakota.

DEADLINE: ~~Wednesday, May 28, 2025~~ extended to Friday, June 6, 2025

For organizations receiving grant funds, a limited supply of pre-designed & printed posters, stickers, window clings, and T-shirts is available from Travel South Dakota. See more information about all promotional materials.
Travel South Dakota will recognize a community with the Rally Rush Rumblin' Community Award during the 2026 Governor’s Conference on Tourism.

AWARD DEADLINE: Friday, September 12, 2025

BENEFITS

As an industry member who benefits from and supports motorcycling enthusiasts, you will show travelers that South Dakota has outstanding hospitality and that we all work collaboratively to welcome guests from every corner of the country and the world.
Promoting Rally Rush in your community and, if possible, hosting special Rally Rush-related events will make riders feel welcome, and could keep them coming back year after year.

LOGOS & USAGE

To help you develop your own Rally Rush promotions, we put together a webpage with the Rally Rush Logos, including logo files, logo usage guidelines, and ideas for promotional items that you can create yourself. Promotional Funds may be used towards these efforts.

FOR INFORMATION

For more information, contact Thad Friedeman, Senior Marketing Services Coordinator, at 605-773-5329 or [email protected].