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.
Request access to view an interactive dashboard of Sioux Falls visitor statistics.
National Travel & Tourism Week
National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) begins on Sunday, May 4 and ends on Saturday, May 10. Organized by the U.S. Travel Association, NTTW is an annual celebration that underscores travel’s essential role in driving our nation’s economy, cultivating vibrant communities, and forging connections.
Established in 1983, NTTW has become a cherished tradition, celebrating the U.S. travel community and highlighting how travel stimulates economic growth, creates quality jobs, inspires new businesses, and elevates the quality of life for Americans every day.
Throughout the week, Experience Sioux Falls will celebrate by recognizing industry partners and highlighting several local businesses with an inside look. Follow along on social media @ExperienceSFSD.
In honor of NTTW, several entities will be lit up in red all week, as red is the official color of travel and tourism. Lighting up in red are Falls Park, Arc of Dreams, Currents art exhibit at The Steel District, Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, Sioux Falls Regional Airport parking garage, and the Washington Pavilion. Experience Sioux Falls encourages other businesses to light up red for the week if possible.
To everyone who works in the travel and tourism industry, Experience Sioux Falls thanks you for your tireless efforts to ensure our visitors feel welcome and have a great experience.
Experience Sioux Falls Online Training Program
Brush up on your customer service skills with Experience Sioux Falls’ Online Training Program. After a successful first phase, new quizzes have been added and are now live. The online training program is intended for frontline hospitality staff that have frequent interaction with guests. The training includes a quiz on customer service and a quiz on Sioux Falls attractions.
The entire training program is designed to be a fun, interactive opportunity to freshen up on customer service rules of thumb and learn about Sioux Falls along the way.
Passing the quizzes can even earn you a free Sioux Falls shirt!
Meet the Team Series
In this monthly series you’ll get to know a little about everyone that makes up the Experience Sioux Falls (ESF) team. This month, meet Lisa McKnight!
Lisa McKnight
Title: First Impressions Manager
Has worked for ESF for: 4 months
- What do you enjoy most about working in the travel and tourism industry?
I enjoy meeting new people and sharing about things to do in Sioux Falls. It’s rewarding to help visitors feel welcome and excited to explore our city, and I love being part of a team that takes pride in showcasing our community. - What does a typical Saturday look like for you?
I love spending my Saturdays with my grandson; he’s full of energy and always keeps me on my toes—he’s my heart! When the weather is nice, you’ll find me by the pool soaking up the sun or browsing local boutiques. - What's your favorite restaurant in Sioux Falls?
I don’t have just one favorite, but a few I really enjoy are 22TEN Kitchen Cocktails, Grille 26, and CRAVE. I usually try to eat on the healthier side when I order out. - What activity are you most looking forward to doing this summer in Sioux Falls?
I’m really looking forward to the farmers markets, live music on patios with friends, and hopefully getting back into golfing now that I’m an empty nester!
Rocky Mountain International Roundup
Experience Sioux Falls Sales Manager, Jackie Wentworth, will be in Rapid City next week attending the Rocky Mountain International Roundup where she will meet with 40 international travel agents in one-on-one appointments.
Rocky Mountain International sells “The Great American West” (South Dakota, North Dakota, Wyoming, and Idaho) to the international market. The 2025 Roundup will include 48 international travel agents from seven different countries.
Experience Sioux Falls has attended this show the last several years and it has proven to be a successful show due to a great level of international interest in the Sioux Falls region.
Open Positions at Falls Park Visitor Information Center
Experience Sioux Falls is hiring part-time employees for the Falls Park Visitor Information Center in time for the travel rush that comes with the summer season. If you or someone you know is passionate about Sioux Falls and enjoys talking with visitors, you or they are encouraged to apply.
Spring and Summer hours for the Falls Park Visitor Information Center are as follows:
Now – May 4: 10am – 6pm daily
May 5 – May 25: 10am – 9pm daily
May 26 – September 1: 9am – 9pm daily
