As summer approaches, the travel and tourism industry is gearing up for a busy season across the country. In South Dakota, the Memorial Day weekend saw near record travel numbers, with AAA projecting 43.8 million people traveling 50 miles or more from home. Shawn Steward from AAA South Dakota noted that these numbers are the second highest since tracking began in 2000, indicating a strong summer travel season ahead.
One exciting development for travelers is the new direct flight from Rapid City to Orlando, Florida, added by Allegiant this spring. This new route will make it easier for people to visit the Black Hills and is expected to benefit both tourism and local residents.
In Sioux Falls, sports tourism is also on the rise. The city will host the 2024 Midwest Presidents Cup from June 14-18, with 186 teams participating in the regional youth soccer tournament. Frank Gurnick from Dakota Alliance Soccer Club anticipates 6,000 to 7,000 people traveling to Sioux Falls for the event, showcasing the city’s growing reputation as a sports destination.
Additionally, the iconic Arc of Dreams sculpture in downtown Sioux Falls will celebrate its 5th anniversary this summer, highlighting the community support behind the project. And with the expansion of trails by Falls Area Single Track in partnership with Great Bear Ski Valley, Sioux Falls continues to invest in outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and visitors alike. With these exciting developments, Sioux Falls is poised to be a top destination for summer travel and tourism.