Tourism Awards

Each January during the annual South Dakota Governor's Conference on Tourism, awards are presented to outstanding industry members or organizations that have contributed significantly to the state's tourism industry.

  • The  Ben Black Elk Award is presented to an individual or individuals who have made outstanding contributions to South Dakota's tourism industry. The 2026 award was presented to Rollie Noem (Hill City).

    Read more about the Ben Black Elk Award and see the display at the Department of Tourism.
     
  • The  A.H. Pankow Award honors a member of the media or public relations industry who has shown superior interest in and coverage of South Dakota and the tourism industry. The recipient of the 2025 award was Jeff Erickson (Riverfront Broadcasting, Yankton).
     
  • The  Peter Norbeck Excellence in Tourism Innovation Award honors a South Dakota tourism industry partner for innovative marketing, special promotions, or improvements to their business or attraction. Beth Simonson (Highmore) was named the winner for 2025.
     
  • The  Ruth Ziolkowski Outstanding Hospitality & Customer Service Awards recognize members of the South Dakota tourism industry who have displayed remarkable hospitality and customer service. Phil Zea (Sioux Falls), Lyndy Ireland (Phillip), Donna Behrend (Brookings), and Mollie Harmon (Chamberlain) were recognized for 2025.
     
  • The  Governor's Tourism Rising Star Award recognizes an individual who has worked in the South Dakota tourism industry for 2-4 years, is excelling at their job and will make a positive difference in the years to come. The 2026 award was presented to Phoebe Caldwell (Spearfish).
     
  • The  George S. Mickelson Award honors a business or organization that promotes outstanding hospitality and customer service training for its employees. The 2025 awards were presented to Experience Sioux Falls and the Black Hills Visitor Information Center (Rapid City).
     

For nomination information about the Tourism Awards, please go to the Tourism Awards Nominations page.

To learn more about the George S. Mickelson Award, see the South Dakota Great Place Program page and the George S. Mickelson Award page.

For a list of all those previously recognized with Tourism Awards, see the page with Past Winners.
 

 

FOR INFORMATION

For more information, please contact Jim Hagen at 605-773-3301 or [email protected].