State Tourism Numbers Were Up in 2018

Tourism in South Dakota had another big year in 2018

Figures released by the department show visitor spending at three point nine eight billion dollars, an increase of two-point five percent.

Just over fourteen million visitors came to the state, which was up one point four percent.

Tourism Secretary Jim Hagen says that happened in spite of the weather last year.

Hagen says their research shows the message is effective.

Hagen says those visitation numbers translate into economic activity.

The numbers were released during the annual Governors Conference on Tourism held this week in Pierre.

(WNAX)