44 Days Until Session Begins! | |
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We’re gearing up for another exciting Basket Raffle Fundraiser at the 2026 Governor’s Conference on Tourism, and we’re calling on attractions, communities, and tourism businesses across South Dakota to showcase what makes you unique! Put together a basket highlighting your destination or organization—anything from local goods and experiences to creative themed collections. Last year we had an incredible 32 baskets, and we’re aiming to beat that number in 2026. Simply gather your items and bring your finished basket directly to the conference. Let’s make this year’s raffle our biggest yet while supporting vital tourism advocacy efforts! |
Wine Sponsors Needed!
Another great way businesses can support our fundraising efforts during the Governor’s Conference on Tourism is by becoming a Wine Sponsor for the Thursday night gala. Each year, TCSD sells wine during the event to raise money for our statewide tourism advocacy work—and sponsoring a case of wine is an easy, meaningful way to contribute. Your support helps us continue educating, advocating, and strengthening tourism across South Dakota. To learn more about becoming a Wine Sponsor, contact Carmen at 605-660-1078 or carmen@tourismcoalitionsd.com. Cheers to supporting the tourism industry!
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Let's Raise The PAC Fund! | |
Supporting the TCSD PAC is one of the strongest ways the tourism industry can protect itself in Pierre. The PAC gives us a unified, credible voice to support pro-tourism candidates and ensure legislators understand the importance of our industry. Tourism is South Dakota’s #2 economic driver, and decisions made at the Capitol directly impact our businesses, workforce, and communities.
Your contribution helps safeguard tourism-friendly policies, strengthens our advocacy efforts, and protects the future of our industry statewide.
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| Tourism Day at the Capitol Rotunda | |
Tourism Day at the Capitol will take place on the first day of the conference on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, as we host legislators in the Capitol Rotunda from noon to 2:30 p.m. for burgers and meaningful conversation. This is your opportunity to share the powerful story of how tourism impacts every county in South Dakota.
We encourage everyone to:
- wear red,
- send a special invite to your district legislators asking them to join us,
- review the Advocacy Toolkit, and
- watch the training video
from Bailey Tysdal, Travel South Dakota’s Industry Training & Legislative Relations Manager, which covers essential etiquette tips for effective advocacy.
Travel South Dakota will also provide talking points to help guide your conversations.
These are your elected officials—let’s make sure they understand how you, your business, and your community rely and are impacted by this vital industry.
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All Aboard Northwest Webinar
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Quick reminder that the All Aboard Northwest Webinar is coming up on Tuesday, December 2 at 12:00 pm (Central Time). Don’t miss it—register below to find out more about passenger rail service and potential opportunities in South Dakota.
| | | | Governor's Conference on Tourism | | | | | Quick reminder to register today for the 2026 Governor’s Conference on Tourism! Don’t miss this chance to connect with industry partners from across South Dakota, hear from dynamic speakers, attend valuable breakout sessions, and be part of important conversations shaping our industry. Secure your spot, book your room, and join us as we celebrate our successes and plan for an even stronger tourism future. | | | Join Before Year - End For A More Powerful Voice. Welcome To These New Members Who Did! | |
Email Alerts & Texts
TCSD is excited to introduce text messaging alerts for the 2026 Legislative Session as a faster, more direct way to keep our members informed. This new tool will allow us to quickly share important updates, track key developments, and issue urgent action alerts when we need members to contact their legislators. It’s another step in strengthening our real-time communication and ensuring our industry’s voice is heard when it matters most. Sign up for our newsletters and text alerts today!
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Speakers pictured above (left to right):
- Dew Bad Warrior, Zuya Sica Consulting
- Frank Kills In Water, President SDNTA
- Craig Pugsley, Badlands National Park Conservancy
- James Hagen, Secretary of Tourism
- Michelle Thomson, Black Hills & Badlands Association
- Whitney A. Rencountre, CEO Crazy Horse Memorial
- Jade Herman, Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation
- Terry DeRouchey, VP of Visitor Service, Crazy Horse Memorial
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South Dakota Native Tourism Alliance Conference
The South Dakota Native Travel Alliance conference was held on November 5 at Crazy Horse Memorial, bringing together tribal tourism professionals, destination marketers, and community leaders to share strategies and strengthen connections across Native-led travel experiences. I enjoyed being there and hearing all the speakers - thank you for the invitation!
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Deadwood Chamber of Commerce
A big shout out to Amanda Kille at the Deadwood Area Chamber of Commerce for inviting me to present at the November Board of Directors meeting in Deadwood on November 12. I truly appreciate the opportunity to share updates with your group—everyone asked such thoughtful, engaging questions. A special thank you as well to George Milos of the Deadwood Gaming Association for the invitation to the afternoon meeting. It was fantastic to meet so many city and business leaders at both events. Thank you, Deadwood, for your warm welcome and support of South Dakota’s tourism industry!
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Murdo
Quick thank you to Paula Jensen and Kristi Wagner, for letting me briefly stop in at the Thriverr Gathering For Rural by Rural event in Murdo at the new golf course clubhouse on November 13! I arrived just in time to hear Michael L. Bocknory of the Economic Development Professionals Association of South Dakota talking about advocacy for policies that support local economic growth and community well-being. I really appreciate the introduction to the group and the opportunity to share and distribute our Advocacy Toolkit with attendees. Thank you!
| | | Libertyland Development & Team Rapid City
The proposed January 20 vote represents a major opportunity to strengthen Rapid City’s tourism economy, create new visitor experiences, and drive long-term regional growth. This project has the potential to enhance community amenities, attract new visitors, and support businesses far beyond city limits.
Team Rapid City continues to lead this effort by educating the community and rallying support for a Yes on Jan 20. This is a critical public vote, making it essential for residents and the tourism industry to stay informed and engaged. We strongly encourage stakeholders and community members to learn more about the project and the upcoming vote by visiting teamrapidcity.com and join the list of public support.
Your awareness and involvement play a key role in shaping the future of tourism and economic opportunity in Rapid City.
| | Show Us Your 250th Logo! Check These Out! | |
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Surprise Visitor to the Olympic Curling Trials in Sioux Falls
Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce and his wife, Kylie Kelce, made a surprise appearance at the U.S. Olympic Curling Trials in Sioux Falls, drawing excitement from fans and attendees at the Denny Sanford Premier Center. Their visit added a fun celebrity moment to the high-profile event, which brought top curling teams from across the country to compete for a spot on the U.S. Olympic roster, further highlighting Sioux Falls as a host city for major national sporting events.
This kind of occurrence helps highlight the ability of South Dakota to attract and host big sporting events and the kind of extra “buzz” that goes along with them.
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Congratulations Rapid City!
Rapid City has recently earned a few major accolades that reinforce its growing reputation as a premier travel destination. The city was named “RV City USA 2025” by RV Trader, recognizing its outstanding amenities, accessibility, and overall appeal to RV travelers from across the country. In addition, True West Magazine selected Rapid City as a “Top 10 Western Town” for 2026, highlighting its rich western heritage, vibrant downtown, proximity to iconic attractions like Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills, and its strong commitment to preserving the authentic spirit of the American West. These national recognitions reflect the community’s continued investment in visitor experience and destination development
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Our Deepest Sympathy to Reptile Gardens
Our hearts are with the entire Reptile Gardens family following the tragic fire that occurred at the attraction. For decades, the staff at Reptile Gardens has been known for their exceptional dedication, compassion, and care—treating every animal as part of their extended family and welcoming visitors with warmth and enthusiasm. This heartbreaking event was felt deeply across the tourism community, and we stand with the crew who have poured countless hours, love, and expertise into the animals and experiences that make Reptile Gardens so special.
To the team: please know you are surrounded by support, gratitude, and sympathy from colleagues statewide. Your resilience and commitment to your mission are inspiring, and we hold you in our thoughts as you continue to navigate the days ahead.
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