Promoting tourism is crucial to growing our state’s economy. South Dakota’s tourism industry has experienced phenomenal growth in recent years - in fact, it has grown at almost double the national average over the past seven years.  Even now, when economic times are tough, visitor spending in South Dakota is exceeding national trends.

South Dakota cannot afford to let up in this area, and as Governor I will aggressively support tourism: 

• I will continue the Million Dollar Challenge, which combines state and local efforts and has resulted in successful attractions in places from Watertown to Chamberlain to Faith. 
• I will fight to retain the 0.5% tax that the industry placed on itself in 2009 to fund promotion efforts. 
• I will put Tourism back in the governor’s cabinet as a separate department – to send a strong message about the importance of tourism to our state’s economy.

I will also support and promote the development of "agri-tourism" as an emerging part of the visitor industry.  Simply stated, agri-tourism is the crossroads of agriculture and tourism - our two largest industries.  As more and more Americans grow up and live in urban environments, there will be an increased demand by visitors to experience life on a farm or ranch.  With our variety of ag operations, South Dakota can be a leader in attracting these visitors.

As Governor, I will support tourism, even in tough times, because I know how important the visitor industry is to our state. Tourism deserves the strongest possible support from our state government – and it will have it from me as Governor.