Tourism Secretary Expects Strong Summer

SIOUX FALLS - Secretary of Tourism Jim Hagen is confident that despite spring snow storms in the state, summer tourism numbers will be up in South Dakota.

Hagen tells KELO-TV that South Dakota is not the only state that has seen spring snow. He says every survey his department has seen indicates people are ready to travel this summer.

Summer is the state's peak tourism season. And Hagen is no stranger to starting the busiest travel season in South Dakota under less than ideal conditions.

Two years ago a flood affected large areas of the state, but tourism still grew. Last summer also saw a 5 percent jump in visitors despite extreme heat and drought conditions.

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