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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March Brings a Wave of Tournaments to Sioux Falls

There’s no shortage of sports action in Sioux Falls this month, with three wrestling events, two basketball events, and two hockey events. The South Dakota State High School Wrestling Tournament and NSIC Men’s & Women’s Basketball Tournaments recently concluded, and The Summit League Basketball Championships are underway with the South Dakota Amateur Hockey Association Varsity State Tournament, NCAA DII Wrestling Championships, AAU South Dakota State Wrestling Tournament, and NCAA DI Men’s Hockey Regional all being held in the coming weeks. 

Collectively, these sports events are expected to generate significant tax revenue for Sioux Falls.

Southeast South Dakota Tourism Summit & Lit Swap

Southeast South Dakota Tourism Association will be holding its Tourism Summit on May 12 at the Mitchell Corn Palace from 9:30am – 3:30pm. This day of learning will feature statewide insights from Travel South Dakota, teach tactics needed to dominate AI search results, and guidance on securing small-business funding. More event information will be released from Southeast South Dakota in the coming weeks.

Paired along with the Tourism Summit is the Lit Swap, where you can have your literature distributed to South Dakota Welcome Centers. This is the only opportunity in our region to get your materials distributed. Registration for this portion will be opening soon. 

National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic

Experience Sioux Falls sales team members, Allyson Kasch and Brandon Vant Hul, we’re in Minneapolis last month representing Sioux Falls at National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic. Kasch and Vant Hul spent three busy days talking with hundreds of hunting enthusiasts at their booth and reported strong interest in Sioux Falls—both for its proximity to hunting land and as a travel destination.

National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic is an annual event from Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever which combines a national consumer show, wildlife habitat seminar series, and a family event that is open to the public. The event celebrates habitat, access, advocacy, and education initiatives fueling North America’s leading upland habitat conservation group.

Best of Baymont Award

The Baymont Inn & Suites by Wyndham in Sioux Falls was recently among those to receive the 2025 “Best of” Baymont Award. With 600 properties nationwide, this award recognizes the top 10% of Baymont properties.