South Dakota Tourism.

For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, South Dakota tourism officials are worried that tourist numbers and revenues will be lower this year. From Sioux Falls to Rapid City, officials said stubborn inflation, the rising cost of living, cuts to federal jobs and national parks, fear of tariff impacts and a general malaise over the national economy could curtail visitor counts and spending. South Dakota Department of Tourism Secretary James Hagen says people are anxious and “being very cost-conscious right now.” Officials hope to market the state well enough to keep attracting more tourists. South Dakota has seen increases in visitors and spending in seven of the past eight years.