Search | South Dakota Tourism Industry

Thad Friedeman

Coordinates and supports Global Marketing strategies and efforts
Implements Brand Standards
Supports Global Marketing campaigns
Manages South Dakota Logo usage and Great 8 Logo usage
Provides ad design tips

Senior Marketing Services Coordinator

[email protected]

Michele Ganschow

Coordinates flow of all Global Marketing efforts
Supports Global Marketing campaigns
Supports Global Travel & Trade collateral efforts

Internal Marketing Projects Manager

[email protected]

Alexa Dorn

Manages and implements marketing partnership programs
Manages A La Carte Cooperative Marketing program
Assists and coordinates Global Marketing campaigns

Marketing Campaigns & Projects Manager

[email protected]

Ciara Forest

Destination development program strategy
Industry liaison for west (Black Hills & Badlands) and central (Missouri River) regions
TAP Grant program administration
Community visits
Industry workshops coordination
Cooperative Marketing program promotion
Tourism development project management

MEET CIARA >>

Destination Development Manager & Industry Liaison

[email protected]

Ann DeVany

Manages Department’s websites
Manages digital communications to industry
Deploys digital communications to industry

Website Manager

[email protected]

Community Cooperative Marketing Program

Elevating Awareness and Reach for South Dakota's Communities

Every year, we invite visitors from across the country and around the world to experience the Great Faces and Great Places of South Dakota. In order to attract even more guests to our communities and state, we’ve created a cooperative marketing program using a tiered approach that leverages Travel South Dakota’s efforts along with other partner efforts.

Regardless of your marketing budget and goals, you will find a tier that works for you. No matter what tier you choose, the elements included in each give every community access to: travel industry experts, industry knowledge, advanced technology and audience targeting, first-rate media partners, and award-winning creative development.

For more information, check out the 2026 program booklet.

If you have questions about this or any of the available programs, contact Ashley Worth or call 605-773-3301.

2026 Community Cooperative Marketing Program Booklet

Peak 2026 Application:

South Dakota Tourism Industry

August Mile Marker

From sunny summer to fabulous fall

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

"Your website, travel guide, and email newsletters all have a wealth of information. We listened to every episode of The Travel South Dakota Stories podcast and got some great ideas for places to visit. The South Dakota passports led us to spots that we likely would have missed otherwise. And I can't say enough about how helpful and friendly the staff were at the two visitors centers (Vermillion and Black Hills) where we stopped for information. ... My daughter and I had a memorable first trip to South Dakota because of it, and we felt like we were just scratching the surface."

Visitor Comment - Jeremy from North Carolina

"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

58,824 jobs were supported by tourism activity.

Economic Impact of Tourism in South Dakota, 2024 - 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