PIERRE South Dakota Secretary of Tourism James D. Hagen has been confirmed to serve on the U.S. Travel Association’s executive board.
The U.S. Travel Association advocates for the $2.8 trillion travel industry, promoting policies and initiatives that drive tourism growth and economic impact across the U.S. As a board member, Hagen will contribute to advancing the associations mission to shape, support, and advocate for the future of travel.
The U.S. Travel Association plays a critical role in shaping the policies and opportunities that drive success for tourism in South Dakota and across our country, said Hagen. I am honored to join this esteemed board and look forward to working alongside industry leaders to champion initiatives that strengthen our local economies.
Hagen has served as South Dakotas secretary of tourism since 2011. After nearly 14 years of leading the department, he remains as passionate as ever about seeing the tourism industry flourish in the Mount Rushmore State.
Secretary Hagen has elevated South Dakota’s tourism industry to new heights with his visionary leadership and strategic expertise, said Gov. Larry Rhoden. We are proud to have him shaping the future of national travel and representing South Dakota and the broader western region in this prestigious role.
Under Hagens leadership, South Dakotas tourism industry continues to set economic impact and visitation records year after year. In 2024, South Dakota welcomed 14.9 million visitors, generating $5.09 billion in visitor spending, continuing a trend of record-setting growth for the states tourism industry.
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