Mitchell tourism efforts yield record hotel occupancy and increased visitor spending
September 30, 2024 | Mitchell, Davison County, South Dakota
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The Mitchell City Council Work Session on September 30, 2024, focused on the positive impact of tourism on the local economy. Key discussions highlighted the success of marketing campaigns aimed at attracting visitors to the city, particularly to notable attractions like the Corn Palace and the Indian Village.
During the meeting, officials reported a 2.8% increase in hotel occupancy in Mitchell year-to-date compared to 2023, which was a record year. Additionally, visitor spending in Davison County rose by 7.3% in the same timeframe, according to data from Bridal South Dakota Tourism Economics. The third penny sales tax collections have shown consistent growth, with only two months of decline since the beginning of the year.
The marketing efforts are specifically targeting areas like Minneapolis, Minnesota, which is identified as a key market for tourism. A personal anecdote shared during the meeting illustrated the effectiveness of these campaigns, as a resident from Minneapolis expressed excitement upon seeing an advertisement for Mitchell.
Furthermore, the city collaborates with Bridal South Dakota to leverage a tourism grant, matching $40,000 to create $80,000 worth of marketing materials. The importance of tourism was underscored with statistics indicating that without it, households in South Dakota would face over $1,000 more in taxes. In 2023, Davidson County saw $115 million in tourism spending, emphasizing the significant economic benefits tourism brings to the region.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue enhancing marketing strategies to further boost tourism and its positive effects on the local economy.
During the meeting, officials reported a 2.8% increase in hotel occupancy in Mitchell year-to-date compared to 2023, which was a record year. Additionally, visitor spending in Davison County rose by 7.3% in the same timeframe, according to data from Bridal South Dakota Tourism Economics. The third penny sales tax collections have shown consistent growth, with only two months of decline since the beginning of the year.
The marketing efforts are specifically targeting areas like Minneapolis, Minnesota, which is identified as a key market for tourism. A personal anecdote shared during the meeting illustrated the effectiveness of these campaigns, as a resident from Minneapolis expressed excitement upon seeing an advertisement for Mitchell.
Furthermore, the city collaborates with Bridal South Dakota to leverage a tourism grant, matching $40,000 to create $80,000 worth of marketing materials. The importance of tourism was underscored with statistics indicating that without it, households in South Dakota would face over $1,000 more in taxes. In 2023, Davidson County saw $115 million in tourism spending, emphasizing the significant economic benefits tourism brings to the region.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue enhancing marketing strategies to further boost tourism and its positive effects on the local economy.
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