Our History
Learn more about how the Tourism Coalition of South Dakota was formed! In early 1994, a group of business owners met to discuss the ever-increasing legislative issues that were plaguing the visitor industry, especially the proposed cut in the state government budget which would have essentially eliminated the Department of Tourism.
Since that time, South Dakota Visitor Industry Alliance (VIA) advocated the passage of South Dakota’s first dedicated funding source for the visitor industry, ensuring continued funding for marketing efforts by the South Dakota Department of Tourism.
In 2008, VIA ran a statewide “We Are South Dakota” image campaign, utilizing membership revenues and matching contributions from the South Dakota CVB Association and local CVB organizations. The goal of the campaign was to promote the many positive aspects of the industry and its impact on the state’s economy.
In 2013, VIA members lobbied heavily and worked closely with the Department of Tourism and other organizations to secure the passage of legislation that eliminated the sunset clause from the Tourism Tax.
VIA is now the Tourism Coalition of South Dakota. We continue to be actively involved in the legislative process by contracting annually with a professional lobbyist to monitor committee meetings and for much of the behind-the-scenes legislative work.
The TCSD Board communicates its positions to the members through newsletters and email messages.
Our Vision
To shape the future of South Dakota’s way of life.
Our Mission
We advance the South Dakota travel industry through strategic influence, advocacy, education and communication.
