The Visitor Beat
Welcome to The Visitor Beat, the monthly newsletter of Experience Sioux Falls. Stay up-to-date on what's going on locally in the travel industry, as well as what's trending nationally.
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Athletx Youth Baseball World Series
Athletx Sports Group (ASG) is hosting one of its five Youth Baseball World Series events in Sioux Falls July 15-19 at the Sanford Sports Complex. Experience Sioux Falls Sales Manager Brandon Vant Hul met with ASG at a tradeshow a couple of years ago, and after expressing interest in Sioux Falls, ASG hosted their Youth World Series here last year. As a result of the success and popularity of last year’s event, ASG has upgraded the event to its Youth Baseball World Series for 2026. Approximately 100 teams will be traveling to Sioux Falls from the Midwest region in addition to teams from as far away as Florida and California to participate.
Research Spotlight from Travel South Dakota: Travelers Are Adjusting, Not Canceling
Last week, Travel South Dakota shared some research findings in its monthly industry newsletter, the Mile Marker. Research from Future Partners show a few concerning signals being reported by consumers in June. However, Future Partners also notes that there is opportunity for drive-market destinations. For more data, see the research dashboards on SDVisit.com.
Traveler sentiment is softening across multiple indicators.
Excitement for leisure travel, perceived “good time to travel,” budgets, and trip expectations have all dipped this month. Fuel costs and recession concerns are major factors.
Rising costs — especially fuel — are creating significant friction.
74% of travelers are concerned about fuel costs, and more than one‑third plan to take fewer trips this summer because of fuel prices.
Travelers still value travel, even under budget pressure.
Travel remains a relatively protected category — 42% say they would reduce everyday spending before reducing summer travel.
Key opportunities for destinations: proximity, value, safety, and welcome.
Drive‑market and regional travel destinations may benefit. Value, transparency in pricing, and perceptions of safety/welcome are important.
America 250 is driving traffic.
Also in June, Longwoods reported that 75% of travelers are aware of America 250, marking a notable increase of 28.7 percentage points since March. 37% indicate they intend to visit a historical site or landmark, and 35% plan to explore a cultural attraction. South Dakota is well-positioned as a desirable destination for those seeking to celebrate America 250.
Welcome to Sioux Falls Billboards
Have you seen Experience Sioux Falls’ (ESF) new billboard creative? ESF is running a new set of generic “welcome” messaging on digital billboards throughout Sioux Falls this summer. Swipe through the gallery below to see several different versions.
South Dakota Great Face & Great Place Nominations
The nomination deadline for the South Dakota Great Face and Great Place programs is on September 30. Organized by Travel South Dakota, the Great Face program recognizes frontline employees who go above and beyond every day to take care of their customers and their community.
The Great Place program spotlights businesses, communities, and organizations that exemplify great service around the state by consistently putting people first, continuously going above and beyond, and helping strangers at every opportunity.
Five Sioux Falls Establishments Recognized for Wine Programs
Wine Spectator recently announced its 2026 Restaurant Awards which recognize restaurants for their wine lists, and five Sioux Falls establishments were recognized, making them the only ones in the state to be recognized.
Award of Excellence
- Brix Wine Bar
- Maribella Ristorante
- Parker’s Bistro
- R Wine Bar
Best of Award of Excellence
- HK