South Dakota tourism officials say high gas prices could indirectly help the state’s travel industry by making nearby road trips more attractive to some visitors. A tourism leader highlighted potential “silver lining” effects as travelers weigh driving costs and destinations. The discussion centers on whether out-of-state tourists who already plan regional trips might choose South Dakota over farther alternatives, especially for the 2026 season.
One example cited is the Foley family of Green Bay, Wisconsin, presented as representative of the type of tourists South Dakota is trying to attract. The remarks focus on travel patterns rather than specific policy changes or marketing announcements. Both outlets frame the point as a possibility—linked to how fluctuating fuel prices can influence where people decide to go—rather than a guaranteed outcome.
Overall, the coverage emphasizes that tourism planning for South Dakota’s upcoming season factors in consumer decision-making affected by gas prices, with officials looking for ways to convert potential cost pressures into increased visitation from nearby regions.
