PIERRE, S.D. –Travel South Dakota is excited to announce the launch of the second round of the Destination Development Program. This initiative is designed to strengthen and expand tourism in rural communities across South Dakota.
In collaboration with the George Washington University Institute for Tourism Studies and
Through strategic planning assistance, access to subject matter experts, seed funding, professional development, and grant opportunities, the program empowers rural communities and tourism-related businesses to create more welcoming environments and enhance the quality of their tourism offerings.
These efforts are intended to attract more visitors and deliver long-term economic and social benefits to the local economy and residents. Travel South Dakota launched the pilot program in 2025, working with the communities of Lead and Wessington Springs. Both are in the implementation phase of the program, which focuses on bringing ideas to fruition.
“The Travel South Dakota grant program has been a strong catalyst for Lead,” said Emma Garvin, who is on the planning team for the Lead project. “This helps us move from ideas to coordinated action and giving partners a shared framework to prioritize projects that strengthen our visitor experience and quality of life.”
Applications for the Destination Development Program will open May 20 and close June 30, 2026. Two South Dakota communities will be selected through a competitive application process. Selected applicants will be notified mid-July.
Communities interested in applying are encouraged to tune in to a Destination Development Insider session on May 19 and visit SDVisit.com for more information. They can also contact Ciara Forest, Destination Development Manager for Travel South Dakota.
The South Dakota Department of Tourism consists of Travel South Dakota and the South Dakota Arts Council, under the leadership of Secretary James D. Hagen.
