The state of the economy has some tourism officials concerned about the upcoming peak of vacation season. With Memorial Day weekend right around the corner, industry leaders are trying to stay optimistic.
Tourism represents South Dakota’s number two industry, but that business is reliant on the spending money of visitors.
Michelle Thomson is the CEO of the Black Hills and Badlands Tourism Association.
“That certainly is a concern, and that’s something we’ve been seeing in the national research we’ve been reading," Black Hills and Badlands Tourism Association CEO Michelle Thomson said. "People still want to take a vacation, but they’re a little leery of the economics of taking a vacation. For the summer anyway, what we’re seeing so far is things are looking good for us.”
She said there are key factors that keep the Hills competitive when money gets tight.
“The affordability is definitely a plus," Thomson said. Another thing we have going for us is our location. We have a great drive-in destination. So, if people are not looking to fly, if they’re not going to travel internationally or take a long-haul trip, they may be more likely to drive.”
That combines to create a sense of cautious optimism.
“I would estimate at this point in time June, July, August would be good," Thomson said. "People are saying their reservations are actually looking a little bit up from last year. Of course, looking into the crystal ball is always the big question. We don’t know what will happen, I think some things might happen with the economy that might change that, but at this point things are looking pretty good.”
South Dakota News Watch reports East River tourism officials are facing similar questions heading into the summer season. Many cities along the I-29 corridor are showing softer tourism bookings compared to last year.