In 2022, South Dakota’s southeast region overtook the Black Hills for the first time in terms of tourism dollars spent in the region.
According to the South Dakota Tourism Department’s Economic Impact Study, 2023 just continued to rack up those impressive numbers. The Southeast region had a strong year in total spending, topping the Black Hills by just over $44 million with his $1,959.9 million compared to his $1,915.5 million in the Black Hills.
The majority of spending in the Southeast region occurs in Sioux Falls and Minnehaha counties, but Yankton County is also seeing an increase in tourism spending and visitor numbers.
Yankton County visitor spending increased from $87.6 million in 2022 to $97.2 million in 2023, an 11% increase.
Yankton Thrive Tourism Director Brittany Wagner said she is pleased with the results and hopes this trend continues.
“We have been pleased to see a recent surge in tourism throughout Yankton County,” she said. “We’re seeing this growth (that we’ve experienced) span multiple sectors, including lodging, dining, recreation and transportation, benefiting multiple industries in our community.
“Furthermore, the positive impact of this tourism growth extends beyond economic indicators. An estimated 1,395 jobs are created by tourism activities in Yankton, with the greater Yankton region benefiting greatly from the influx of tourists. These numbers highlight the importance of tourism as a driver of economic prosperity and employment opportunities within our communities.”
Kasi Haberman, executive director of the Southeastern South Dakota Tourism Authority, said she’s not really surprised by the continued increase.
“Yankton has always been a great outdoor recreation destination for many people,” she said. “We have some people who come from the Omaha area on a regular basis. We also have people who are tired of the crowds in places like Okoboji (Iowa) and are looking for a different lake experience that probably doesn’t have as many people. I heard there are some.
“I think the outdoor recreation aspect that Yankton offers is something that people are still very interested in. During the coronavirus, a lot of people are looking to build campers, boats, ATVs, things like that. I think I bought it.” They’re just not going to stop using it. ”
Overall, South Dakota had another record year in tourism in 2023. The total tourist spending in the state was $4.963 billion, an increase of $233 million compared to 2022. South Dakota’s tourism industry employed 40,164 people in 2023.
The report says tourist spending generated $384 million in state and local taxes in 2023. Approximately $6.2 million of these taxes were generated in Yankton County.
“Visit Yankton remains committed to the tourism sector and capitalizes on its potential for continued growth and development as Yankton continues to attract visitors with its diverse attractions and vibrant culture,” Wagner said. said. “Visitors are busy exploring our hidden gems while providing a serious stimulus to our local economy. It’s a win-win situation for Yankton.”
Haberman said he is also looking forward to 2024 in Yankton and the SESD region.
“Riverboat Days has just announced this year’s entertainment, and I think that will be a big draw to the event,” she said. “We continue to add members to our organization and are now approaching her 240 members.
“We continue to create more opportunities for people to partner with us to help with marketing and educate them about the Department of Tourism. I think there are still gaps and lack of awareness, especially in smaller communities. That’s why we help make sure they are aware of all the opportunities available to them.”
To read SD Tourism’s 2023 Annual Report, visit sdvisit.com and click on “Research & Reports.”
