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eFYI - Featuring Your Industry - January 2010
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DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Dear Industry Partners,
Happy New Year!
In 2009 we faced some unique challenges, but together we made it through. You’ll find out just how the industry did during the Tourism Conference, but what I can tell you is that we held firm. I’m proud of the work we all did and am grateful for the partnerships we developed in the process.
Speaking of the conference, it’s fast-approaching. We hope to see all of you there as we have scheduled excellent speakers and fun social events. There’s still time to register online, so check out www.SDVisit.com for more information.
And now with all this snow on the ground, let’s keep getting the message out to our visitors that the trails are groomed and the slopes are excellent. South Dakota is a destination for all seasons.
Sincerely,
Melissa Bump
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REMINDER: Bring tour buses to your door!
Have you submitted your forms to be included in the 2011-2012 Group Tour Planning Guide? The Office of Tourism is in the process of updating the biennial guide for 2011-2012 and is taking registrations from Chambers/CVBs and all businesses interested in the group tour market. Downloadable forms are available online and the deadline to participate is February 3. For more information, contact Vicky, Maureen or Alicia with the Trade Sales Team. |
Trade Sales and Marketing
For more information, contact
Vicky Engelhaupt
at
Vicky.Engelhaupt@state.sd.us
or
605-773-3301
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Tourism Conference Registration
There is still time to register for the 2010 Tourism Conference.
- student rate is $75 for the full conference
- late full conference registration is $200 (ends January 17)
- on-site, full conference registration will only be accepted on Tuesday or Wednesday, January 19 or 20; the cost is $250 and is due upon registration (we will no longer invoice conference fees for those registering on-site)
- pre-registrations received without payment will incur the on-site registration fee of $250
- pre-registration for the Wednesday-only sessions and evening reception or the Thursday-only sessions and meal functions is $100 and payment must accompany registration (ends January 17 - partial registration is not available on-site)
Online registration (and payment via credit card) is available until 11:59 p.m. Sunday, January 17. |
Visitor and Industry
Relations
For more information, contact
Nicole Soukup
at
Nicole.Soukup@state.sd.us
or
605-773-3301
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Multi-Media Press Release Co-op
The Office of Tourism is offering a Multi-Media Press Release co-op for a second year. This PR effort gives you the chance to put your story in front of the media, and in turn, in front of thousands of potential visitors who plan to visit South Dakota. There have been some changes to the 2010 program, so please visit www.SDVisit.com for more information. Overall, last year’s 10 co-op releases resulted in more than 80 news clips and broadcast segments about South Dakota and reached an audience of more than 500,000 in key markets. Applications are due February 26. |
Media and Public Relations
For more information, contact
Wanda Goodman
at
Wanda.Goodman@state.sd.us
or
605-773-3301
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Great Service Star Update
Great Service Star plaques and 2010 year tabs will be mailed in early February. The Great Service Star designation requires an annual renewal and there are several businesses and organizations that have not yet renewed for this year. Applications are being accepted until January 31, so there’s still time.
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Visitor and Industry
Relations
For more information, contact
Eileen Bertsch
at
Eileen.Bertsch@state.sd.us
or
605-773-3301 |
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Information Center Positions Open
The Office of Tourism is now accepting Information Center Counselor applications for the summer of 2010. If you know of anyone who might be interested in one of these positions, please have them contact Tasha Bothun. There are open positions at all 10 centers, located near Chamberlain, New Effington, Salem, Spearfish, Tilford, Valley Springs, Vermillion, Vivian, Wasta and Wilmot.
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Visitor and Industry
Relations
For more information, contact
Natasha Bothun
at
Natasha.Bothun@state.sd.us
or
605-773-3301 |
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Opportunity to promote restaurants and attractions
Canusa, the largest producer of German travelers to our region, is producing a Bonus Card to promote attractions and restaurants in our area and to increase visitors’ length of stay. Please review the attached PDF and send them your information if you would like to be included in this program, which will now be ongoing. |
Trade Sales and Marketing
For more information, contact
Maureen Droz
at
Maureen.Droz@state.sd.us
or
605-773-3301
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Pet-Friendly Accommodations?
A new travel site, First Dog Barking at www.firstdogbarking.com, will be launching in February 2010, catering to people who travel with their pets. They have requested information about attractions, lodging and restaurants that are pet-friendly. If your establishment welcomes pets, please email Martie Bond at bondconsulting@msn.com.
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Trade Sales and Marketing
For more information, contact
Alicia Gildemaster
at
Alicia.Gildemaster@state.sd.us
or
605-773-3301 |
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Annual Report
The annual report has been sent to the printer and will be available at the 2010 Governor’s Conference on Tourism. If you’re unable to attend the conference but would like a copy of the report, contact Ashley Worth at the Office of Tourism, or visit www.SDVisit.com for a PDF. |
Research and E-Commerce
For more information, contact
Ashley Worth
at
Ashley.Worth@state.sd.us
or
605-773-3301
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Industry Facebook Fan Page
The VIR team has transitioned their “group” page in Facebook to a “fan” page. This allows the team more flexibility with updates, such as posting photos, videos and more. To join, you must have a Facebook account, but accounts are free, so go ahead and sign up. Visit www.Facebook.com/SDVisit and make sure you click on the fan page to “become a fan.” This page will be used during the Tourism Conference for updates on sessions, photos of speakers and attendees, and guest interviews.
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Visitor and Industry
Relations
For more information, contact
Nicole Soukup
at
Nicole.Soukup@state.sd.us
or
605-773-3301 |
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Snowmobile Trail Conditions
South Dakota Snowmobile Trails are now on Twitter. Follow these links for updates on trail conditions:
@SDSnowBHills
@SDSnowEast
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Dept. of Game, Fish & Parks
For more information, contact
Sno Watts Line
at
800-445-3474
or visit
www.sdgfp.info |
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Important Reminders
Peak 2010 Vacation Packages
It’s never too early to start thinking about your Peak 2010 Vacation Packages. Starting this month, package listings on www.TravelSD.com are free, so send us your packages as soon as they’re developed. For more information, contact Brad Lemmel at bradley.lemmel@state.sd.us.
Final 2009 Great Event
Media One FunSki, Sioux Falls – January 29-30, 2010
2010 Great Events
Black Hills Fat Tire Festival, Rapid City – May 28-31, 2010
Huron Outdoor Expo, Huron – June 11-12, 2010
Ipswich Trail Days, Ipswich – June 11-13, 2010
River City Racin’, Chamberlain/Oacoma – June 19-20, 2010
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What Our Visitors Are Saying...
Feedback to Game, Fish & Parks from a visitor:
"My husband, dog and I had the pleasure of staying at Palisades State Park in July. It's the prettiest, most well-maintained, best laid out state park we have ever been to! We loved that the camp sites weren't right on top of each other (we were in a tent). The staff was SUPER nice and helpful – even the inmates doing upkeep smiled and waved. The hiking was lovely – even the walk just through the camp site itself was lovely! And we were flabbergasted at the lack of smell in the pit toilets and the availability of hand gel! This state park is a treasure. Bravo!"
- Jane, Louisville, Kentucky |
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South Dakota Office of Tourism
Monthly Progress Report
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