By Jim Speirs, Executive Director, Arts South Dakota
The State Tourism Department has long realized that art drives tourism—and exciting programs are available to capitalize on our statewide creative energy. From exciting new video productions to innovative advertising to the popular State of Create Passport, SD Tourism is sharing their pride in our state’s artistic destinations.
The free, mobile-exclusive digital South Dakota State of Create Passport guides travelers to discoveries they’ve always wanted to see or never knew existed, including new patriotic-themed stops with the South Dakota Stars & Stripes Passport: Celebrating 250 Years of America. The Stars & Stripes Passport invites local residents and visitors alike to discover destinations across the state that showcase American heritage and South Dakota culture. Learn more at TravelSouthDakota.com/Passports to explore the patriotic spirit of the Stars & Stripes Passport.
With the State of Create Passport, travelers can include artistic stops across the state to earn discounts, prizes and more. No app is required and the range of attractions is limited only by your imagination. The program turns everyday travel into a purposeful adventure, highlighting off-the-beaten-path experiences, rewarding curiosity and strengthening connections between people and places. Check out TravelSouthDakota.com for details on your passport to arts adventures.
Again this year, the Tourism Department has a goal to make South Dakota one of the top ten travel destinations in the U.S. We believe the arts are a key element in that strategy—in fact, arts and culture created the gateway to our state’s unique destinations. The South Dakota arts community and the State Tourism Department are working together to shine the spotlight on cultural attractions in every corner of South Dakota and spread our state’s visitors throughout the state.
More than ever, tourists from inside and outside South Dakota are being encouraged to seek out arts destinations as part of their summertime fun. Please visit www.ArtsSouthDakota.org or TravelSouthDakota.com for more about places to go and things to see!
