{KXLG – Watertown, South Dakota} This week is National Tourism Week, and the Terry Redlin Pavilion hosted KXLG News at Visit Watertown’s Tourism Industry Luncheon, featuring keynote speaker Wanda Goodman, Deputy Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Tourism.
Wanda Goodman Travel SD.jpg
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First, Angelica Ute, Watertown Tourism Executive Director, took to the stage to welcome guests and introduce the Watertown Tourism Board team, including Lindsey Stangl, Director of Marketing and Business Development, and Emily Johnson, Marketing Coordinator. did.
Director Ute provides Deputy Director Goodman with some background information….
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The tourism industry is broad and encompasses many sectors, including food and beverage, public transportation, retail, recreation, and entertainment. In 2023, South Dakota welcomed 14.7 million tourists, who spent nearly $5 billion and generated $384 million in state and local tax revenues. This activity saved South Dakota households more than $1,000 in taxes…
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The tourism industry also directly and indirectly supports 57,800 jobs and generates $2.2 billion in labor income. For every dollar spent promoting South Dakota’s tourism opportunities in 2023, $25 in visitor spending and $3 in tax revenue were generated.
Goodman elaborated further on the local level in Cordington County.
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Despite the challenges posed by inflation and fluctuating gas prices, travelers remain resilient. According to a survey conducted by Future Partners, expectations of spending more on travel in the next six months have increased by 2.7 percentage points, with the average maximum annual spend on future travel over the next 12 months expected to be nearly $5,000. I am.
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The industry is optimistic about the upcoming season. The new marketing campaign, launched in March, has already generated 82 million impressions, reached more than 9.7 million people and increased his web traffic to consumer websites by about 53%. .
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As the industry continues to grow, so does the number of accommodations available to visitors. In 2020, approximately 5.5 million hotel rooms were occupied, and the number of Airbnb accommodations in South Dakota currently stands at 7,200 and continues to grow each year.
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Lindsey Stangle took to the stage to present nominations for the 2024 Top Attraction, Top Hotel, Top Restaurant, Top Retail, Outstanding Event, and Gordon “Gordy” Osas Outstanding Customer Service Awards. and announced the winners.
Top Attractions
Nominated in the Top Attractions category were Joy Ranch, Red Lynn Art Center, Watertown Aquatic Center and Watertown Art Walk. The Watertown Art Walk won.
Watertown Art Walk – Joy Nelson (Joy Ranch & Haugen Nelson Realty) & Cammie Mengwasser (Watertown Area Community Foundation – Executive Director).jpg
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Top Hotel
Nominees in the Top Hotel category included Quality Inn, Holiday Inn Express, My Place Hotels, Country Inn & Suites and Hampton Inn. Holiday Inn Express won, and also received the Spirit of True Hospitality Award in 2023 from its own brand IHG.
Top Hotels – Holiday Inn Express.jpg
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top restaurants
Nominees in the Top Restaurant category included Sandbar, Gather, Juice Bar and Lobby. Juice Bar, known for its friendly staff, great food and fun atmosphere, won the award.
Top Restaurant – Juice Bar.jpg
Emily Schroeder
Top Retailers
Nominees in the Top Retail category included DDR Books, AMJ Style, Bags & Swag, Makepeace Jewelry and Travs Outfitters. AMJ Style won for its outstanding customer service and fashion offerings.
Top Retailers – AMJ Style.jpg
Emily Schroeder
great event
The Outstanding Event Award went to the Cordington County Heritage Museum for its Carnegie Christmas Market, an outdoor German holiday market that has become a popular event for residents and visitors. The award was presented to museum director Christy Rickay.
Codington County Heritage Museum – Carnagie Christmas Market 5.22.24.jpg
Emily Schroeder
Gordon “Gordie” Ostas Outstanding Customer Service Award
The Gordon “Gordie” Ossus Outstanding Customer Service Award was presented to Deb Stanley of the Ramkota Hotel and Convention Center. Known for her exceptional customer service and industry partnerships, Stanley has had a major impact on Watertown’s tourism industry.
Gordy Osthus Outstanding Customer Service Award – Deb Stanley – Ramkota.jpg
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To celebrate National Tourism Week, the Redlin Arts Centre will be lit up in red every night, adding to the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Check out the article for full audio from the event and photos of the winners.
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