Visit Watertown Highlights Local Economic Impact During National Travel and Tourism Week
- Steve Jurrens
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Visit Watertown is joining destinations across the country in celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week, May 3–9, 2026, recognizing the travel industry’s role in economic growth, job creation, and community development.
This year’s national celebration comes as the United States prepares for major global events, including the World Cup and the nation’s 250th anniversary. According to U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman, the industry generates $3 trillion in economic output and supports 15 million jobs nationwide.
While those impacts are felt across the country, Visit Watertown says the benefits are just as significant at the local level.
In Codington County, visitors spent $111.90 million in 2025, representing 15.5% of all regional spending. That activity generated $9.11 million in state and local tax revenue, helping fund essential public services such as first responders, infrastructure, and public safety.
Tourism also supported 1,436 local jobs—about 6.2% of all employment in the county—and produced more than $51.5 million in labor income for residents.
“Tourism is more than just visitors coming to our community—it’s a direct investment in our people, our businesses, and our quality of life,” said Anjelica Uthe, Executive Director of Visit Watertown. “These numbers show how important travel is to our local economy and why the work we do matters.”
Visit Watertown’s team works year‑round on marketing, event support, group sales, and partnerships designed to attract visitors and strengthen the community’s economic base. The organization recently opened its new office inside The Goss Opera House, a move Uthe says will expand opportunities for collaboration and community engagement.
As part of National Travel and Tourism Week, Visit Watertown will host and participate in several events:
Monday, May 4 — 10:00 AM
Toast the Downtown with the Downtown Collective
📍 100 East Kemp Ave
Tuesday, May 5,
Hosting Carmen Schramm as part of the Tourism Coalition of South Dakota Media Tour
Thursday, May 7 — 4:00–6:00 PM
Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting & Open House (Ribbon cutting at 4:00 PM) 📍
100 East Kemp Ave
Community members, partners, and businesses are invited to attend, meet the Visit Watertown team, explore the new space, and learn more about how tourism supports local growth.
“We’re proud of the role tourism plays here, and we’re excited to celebrate it with our community,” Uthe said. “This week is about recognizing the impact, but also about building momentum for what’s ahead.”
National Travel and Tourism Week was established in 1983 to highlight how travel strengthens communities and fuels economic opportunity. This year’s theme, “Postmarked: Essential,” underscores the industry’s foundational role across the country—including in Watertown.
More information about National Travel and Tourism Week is available at ustravel.org/NTTW.
