OT Tourists pick SD for isolation

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Tourists pick S.D. for isolation

By Allison Morley For the Argus Leader

published: 11/18/01

After Sept. 11, safety, solitude transform travel

South Dakota has sometimes been described as being "in the middle of nowhere."

In the past, that fact has been considered a "negative" by tourists, but Executive Director Jacquie Fuks of the Southeast South Dakota Tourism Association said recent calls indicate that "the middle of nowhere" is exactly where people want to go right now.

"A gentleman called my office recently requesting information about South Dakota," Fuks said. "He had saved for years to travel with his wife, children and grandchildren to Disney World but is changing his plans and will be coming to South Dakota instead."

That particular caller cited the diversity of the state, patriotism, remoteness and feeling of safety as a draw for the state.

He's not alone. Fuks says that in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, several people who had plane tickets to the East Coast have changed their plans and decided to fly to South Dakota instead.

"As winter approaches, we generally see a drop in customer contacts," Fuks said. "This year, that hasn't been the case."

Fuks said that out-of-state visitors are often surprised at the diversity of offerings they encounter here, from fine restaurants and museums to outdoor recreation including fishing, hunting, camping, biking, hiking, boating and winter activities such as snow mobiling and cross-country skiing.

Many South Dakotans are rediscovering the joys to be found "close to home," instead of traveling elsewhere on the weekends, she added.

Barb Geyer of Beresford recently spent the afternoon with her 10- year-old son, Paul, on the trails at Union Grove State Park.

"Sometimes we forget that there are great places to visit near our own communities," Geyer said.

Southeast South Dakota Tourism Association Board President Gary Keller says that one of the main jobs of the association is to help remind people of that.

The SSDTA is a nonprofit organization "dedicated toward increasing the economic impact of the visitor industry in southeastern South Dakota."

As someone who grew up in the area, Keller says he doesn't find it difficult to promote the region.

"I am a user of the product," said Keller. "My family and I hike Newton Hills, we go to the Washington Pavilion and many other great places."

The organization was incorporated in 1987 and includes a 15-member "working" board of directors divided into groups of three members representing each district.

Funding is provided through memberships, South Dakota Vacation Guide and regional guide Off The Beaten Path ad sales and a promotional contract with the South Dakota Department of Tourism.

Keller said he's learned that once you introduce people to the area, they love it.

"Our organization has done well raising awareness about our region. That's important, since tourism is the number two economic driver in South Dakota," he said. "My message is that we're the gateway to the real America."

S.F. Weather Temp: 54 °F

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-- Anonymous, November 18, 2001

Answers

I like South Dakota. For old car buffs, and I'm certainly one of those, there is a very good museum in Murdo (right in the middle of the state).

-- Anonymous, November 19, 2001

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