Group Tour Planning Guide

Every two years, the Department of Tourism updates the South Dakota Group Tour Planning Guide, which is distributed to domestic and international group tour operators. This comprehensive guide includes tour escort notes, maps, suggested itineraries, events, and information about visitor industry businesses such as hotels, motels, attractions, casinos, restaurants and receptive operators. Each listing costs $225 (additional listings: $175 each). The Group Tour Planning Guide is the best place to promote to attract group and motorcoach tours.

REGISTRATION

Your registration, listing(s) information and payment should all be submitted using the
Online Payment System (Visa or MasterCard accepted). Cities and Non-Profit Attractions are listed at no charge, but still need to use the Online Payment System to submit their listing information.

Deadline: extended to February 2, 2012

FOR INFORMATION

Please contact Vicky Engelhaupt, Trade Sales Representative, for more information at 605-773-3301 or vicky.engelhaupt@travelsd.com.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q:  Where is the Group Tour Planning Guide used?

A:  The guide is the primary piece the Department of Tourism uses for domestic and international tour operator requests, AAA counselor and travel agent requests, international group tour requests and trade show follow-up, and NTA and ABA convention follow-up.

 

Q.  Why is the guide good for my group business?

A:  The Group Tour Planning Guide is sent to 4,000 tour operators in the domestic and international markets who are planning group tours to South Dakota.

 

Q:  Who may participate in the guide?

A:  Any member of South Dakota`s visitor industry who accommodates groups and offers group rates may purchase space in the guide.

 

Q:  What does a business receive for partnering in the guide?

A:  Partners may purchase, online, a listing for $225. Additional business listings in other sections of the guide cost $175 per listing. Each listing includes a description of the business and contact information.

 

Q:  How does my business become a partner?

A:  For the 2013-2014 guide, complete your registration form(s) and make your payment online on or before January 13, 2012 (extended to February 2, 2012). Listing categories include: accommodations, attractions/entertainment, cities, gaming casinos (not including video lottery), receptive operators/step-on guides, restaurants and food services, and unique shops/shopping malls. You may purchase a listing in each of the categories for which your business qualifies.