South Dakota Tourism Hopes to Build on Landmark Events

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Tourism in South Dakota got a boost this year with two landmark anniversaries, and officials hope next year will see the same.

Industry officials who gathered in Rapid City for a conference say they hope 2016 can build on the momentum of this year, which featured the 75th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and the 50th annual Custer State Park buffalo roundup.

There are two key anniversaries next year, as well. Mount Rushmore National Memorial celebrates its 75th anniversary, and the National Park Service commemorates its centennial.

Black Hills & Badlands Tourism Association vice president Mike Gussiaas tells the Rapid City Journal that back-to-back years with landmark events "is kind of perfect."

State Tourism Secretary Jim Hagen says there's been new interest in South Dakota from some major national publications.

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