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South Dakota Tourism Leader: High Gas Prices Could Hold ‘Silver Lining’
Officials say 90% of Americans plan to travel this summer, and South Dakota is betting on patriotic events and road-trip visitors to lift spending.
- South Dakota Tourism Secretary Jim Hagen anticipates a robust 2026 summer season, driven by celebrations marking the country's 250th anniversary, including the Real America Birthday Bash planned for Rapid City on July 1-4.
- With 90% of Americans planning to travel this summer, Hagen noted South Dakota's status as a regional-drive market offers strategic advantage, as travelers opt for affordable regional trips over expensive long-haul flights.
- Governor Larry Rhoden recently distributed $200,000 in Tourism Advertising Promotion grants to 40 entities supporting festivals, while Keystone business owner Bria Dillavou said, "With the 250th and the fireworks, we're hoping for a good season."
- Tourism supports more than 59,000 jobs and contributes 4.7% to South Dakota's overall economy; Teri Schmidt, CEO of Experience Sioux Falls, noted the region provides "very good value for the tourism dollar."
- Rising gas prices remain a concern, as Schmidt noted costs could prompt visitors to shorten trips; beyond the 250th events, the Black Hills region expects a typical boost from the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally this August.
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16 Articles
Associated Press News+9 Reposted by 9 other sources
South Dakota tourism leader: High gas prices could hold ‘silver lining’
Members of the Foley family of Green Bay, Wisconsin, are the quintessential visitors that tourism officials and operators hope will push South Dakota to a successful 2026 tourism season.
·United States
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Hagen: Trumpflated Gasoline Could Drive More Vacationers to South Dakota
Jim Hagen can find a bright side to anything. South Dakota’s boundlessly boostful Tourism Secretary tells South Dakota News Watch that Trumpflation at the pump could send more vacationers to South Dakota: While it may seem counterintuitive, South Dakota tourism secretary Jim Hagen said the Rushmore State’s extensive travel industry could actually benefit from higher gas prices. In an interview with News Watch, Hagen said South Dakota has outperf…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources16
Leaning Left6Leaning Right1Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution53% Center
Bias Distribution
- 53% of the sources are Center
53% Center
L 40%
C 53%
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