Our People

Article Body

Our People

By: Governor Larry Rhoden

May 8, 2026

When visitors arrive in our state, they are greeted with warm smiles and friendly faces. South Dakota is known for our world class hospitality - and all the credit goes to our people and our way of life. Tourism is not just about where people go; it's about the connections they make, the memories they create, and the communities they support along the way.

These connections are important because tourism is more than a seasonal activity in South Dakota. It's a year-round economic engine that supports communities in every corner of our state. In 2025 alone, nearly 15 million visitors traveled to South Dakota, generating a record $5.16 billion in visitor spending. These aren't just numbers. They represent livelihoods, small businesses, and families that thrive because visitors choose to invest their time and dollars in our state.

During National Travel and Tourism Week, it is important to remember that travelers also play a critical role in easing the tax burden on our citizens. By generating more than $400 million in state and local tax revenue, this industry helps fund essential services while saving each South Dakota household over $1,100 annually. That is the power of welcoming the world to experience our Great Faces and Great Places. And next year when the record-breaking property tax cut takes effect, tourists will help decrease the tax burden on South Dakotans to an even greater degree!

From our biggest monuments to our smallest communities, South Dakota has one thing at every stop: our people. They work hard, live by common sense, and they understand how to approach situations with civility. Everywhere I visit across the state, I am met with the same thing: friendly and strong-willed South Dakotans.

Along with the travel industry, we've been setting aside time to celebrate professional groups like nurses, correctional professionals, state employees, and teachers. They all share a common heart of service. I find the same factor of friendliness and grit when I visit with those working in our healthcare facilities, prisons, state agencies, and schools.

A couple weeks ago, I toured Harrisburg High School and Brandon Valley High School. The focus of these visits was to understand their youth apprenticeship programs. I was amazed at the opportunities for students. As I see it, South Dakota is open for opportunity even in our K-12 schools, combining curriculum, work experience, and college credit to give our students purpose and direction when they graduate. I can think of few greater gifts to give to serve each other than to give the gift of purpose.

This month, many of our students across the state will celebrate graduations. I want them to stay in South Dakota. They are product of our people and our way of life. In order to make this expansion of youth apprenticeships possible, we are opening a statewide apprenticeship coordinator. This will multiply what these schools have created and open more doors for students to find work and opportunities right here in South Dakota - all while continuing their education.

Creating opportunities for our next generation keeps me motivated when the sledding gets tough. And just like travelers that come back every year to experience the connection with our folks, I enjoy being your governor most when I'm out meeting our citizens, seeing what they are proud of and what gives them purpose. It is a reminder of two truths I already know: that our people are world class, and our way of life is special. Thank you for being a part of it.

###