The Joint Committee on Appropriations meeting held on January 30, 2025, highlighted significant achievements in South Dakota's tourism sector, particularly following a recent successful tourism conference. The conference, which reportedly had record attendance, has been a staple for 35 to 40 years and is now recognized as one of the largest in the nation, surpassing those in California and Florida.

During the meeting, representatives expressed pride in the conference's growth, noting the participation of university students and first-time attendees, which reflects a concerted effort to engage younger generations in the tourism industry. The Secretary of Tourism emphasized the importance of providing world-class hospitality to visitors and fostering a unified industry.

In addition to the conference's success, the meeting showcased South Dakota's rising profile as a travel destination. Badlands National Park was recently named the number one destination in the United States by Fodor's Bridal for their annual list, while Matador Network included South Dakota in its global list of 25 places to visit in 2025. Furthermore, Thrillist recognized South Dakota as one of the world's best road trips for the same year.

These accolades underscore the state's growing appeal and the effectiveness of its public relations efforts in promoting tourism. The meeting concluded with a sense of optimism about the future of South Dakota's tourism industry and its potential to attract even more visitors in the coming years.