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2025 Destination Development Application

Introduction

Application Form and Instructions

2025 Pilot Program

About the Program

The Travel South Dakota Destination Development Program supports rural communities in developing and promoting tourism in ways that reflect their unique culture, character, and values. 

Travel South Dakota will select destinations through a competitive application process. Two communities will be chosen to participate in the pilot round, which will run from September 2025 to December 2026. Selected destinations will benefit from:

  • Comprehensive support for tourism product development, including a destination assessment, a hands-on community workshop to define priorities, and guidance in crafting a proposal for a compelling product idea.

  • Seed funding paired with targeted technical assistance to help bring a promising product development idea to life.

  • Collaborative peer learning experiences.

  • Connections to marketing opportunities through Travel South Dakota and its partners.

This application form will help us assess your community’s readiness, early-stage ideas, and the local tourism team that will collaboratively guide the project.  We encourage you to review the accompanying Applicant Toolkit, which provides helpful information to support you through each step of the application process.
 

Eligibility

Who is this program for?

This program is designed for rural communities that have untapped tourism potential or are seeking to revitalize existing tourism efforts. Communities may apply individually or jointly with nearby communities to collaborate on a shared attraction or tourism experience.

Eligible Applicants

Lead applicants may include:

  • Local or Regional Governments

  • Tribal Governments and Tribal Organizations

  • Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) / Convention and Visitor Bureaus

  • Chambers of Commerce

  • Nonprofit Organizations

  • Tourism Business Owners or Operators (e.g., lodging, retail, guides, outfitters, dining, arts, museums)


Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Rural Community Status: The destination is a rural community (or group of communities) with a population under 30,000 and clear tourism development or revitalization needs. All communities combined do not need to be under 30,000.

  • Eligible Lead Applicant: The lead applicant is one of the eligible entities listed above (e.g., local or tribal governments, DMOs, chambers of commerce, nonprofits, or tourism businesses).

  • Destination Core Team (DCT): A DCT of 5–8 local stakeholders has been formed to support all aspects of the project, from planning to implementation.

  • Designated Destination Coordinator: One organization within the DCT has been identified to serve as the Destination Coordinator—responsible for leading the application process, coordinating with or serving as the fiscal agent, and gathering required materials such as letters of support and documentation of in-kind support commitments.

  • In-Kind Support and Letters of Support: The DCT can provide in-kind contributions (e.g., staff time, venues, marketing) and must submit letters of support from key partners demonstrating community commitment to the program.

Section 1: Applicant and Contact Information

Introduce your destination and who will lead the program locally.

This section introduces the eligible lead applicant and the designated Destination Coordinator. As a condition of selection, each Destination Coordinator is responsible for managing all aspects of the project within their community. This role requires a time commitment of approximately 3–5 hours per week from September 2025 through December 2026. Please refer to the Destination Development Toolkit Resources for the Applicant Toolkit for a complete listing of the key responsibilities of the Destination Coordinator.

1. Lead Applicant Information: *This question is required.
2. Type of organization (select one): *This question is required.
3. Is this application being submitted on behalf of a single community or multiple communities? *This question is required.
4. Will the lead applicant serve as the fiscal agent for this project (i.e., responsible for receiving, managing, and accounting for the grant funds)? *This question is required.
5. Will the lead applicant also serve as the Destination Coordinator (i.e., the main point of contact leading the application process and coordinating local efforts)? *This question is required.
6.  Does the identified Destination Coordinator commit to managing all aspects of the project within the community?
This role requires approximately 3–5 hours per week from September 2025 to December 2026 and includes leadership in application, coordination, and implementation. *This question is required.
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