Watertown Tourism on the Rise: Visit Watertown Announces Awards and New Headquarters at Goss Opera House
- Steve Jurrens
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Tourism in Watertown is hitting a high note as city officials report consistent growth in sales tax revenue and a fresh chapter for the city’s tourism hub. Anjelica Uthe, Executive Director of Visit Watertown, joined Northeast Radio SD this week to discuss the city’s upward trajectory and several major milestones on the horizon for 2026.
Economic Momentum and Visitor Growth
According to Uthe, the latest sales tax reports show that visitor spending in Watertown has increased month over month.
“Good things are happening,” Uthe noted during the interview. “The reports show the BBB (Board, Booze, and Bed) tax is up every month, which is a great indicator that people are staying, eating, and enjoying everything Watertown has to offer.”
Celebrating Excellence: The Visitor Industry Awards
To honor those on the front lines of this growth, Visit Watertown is officially accepting nominations for the annual Visitor Industry Awards. These awards focus on exceptional customer service across four primary categories:
· Retail
· Hotel
· Attractions
· Restaurants
Community members can also nominate individuals for the prestigious Gordon “Gordy” Ostas Customer Service Award or recognize local organizers through the Event Award category.
How to Nominate: Visit visitwatertownsd.com/awards to submit your favorites. The deadline for nominations is Friday, April 24, 2026.
This year, the awards will feature a new format. Instead of a formal banquet, Visit Watertown plans to surprise winners on location with a Facebook Live ceremony during National Travel and Tourism Week in May.
A New Home at the Goss
In a move that places tourism right in the heart of downtown, Visit Watertown moved into its new office space at the Goss Opera House (the former Mod’s Mercantile location) on April 1st. Located at 100 East Kemp, the new headquarters will serve as a resource for both locals and travelers.
The community is invited to an Open House and Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 4:00 PM. Attendees can tour the new space, pick up the updated 2026 visitor guides, and even snag some new Watertown-themed merchandise and stickers.
Local Highlights and Summer Outlook
Uthe also highlighted several “must-see” spots for the upcoming season:
· Redlin Art Center: Now featuring the new Studio Gallery on the second floor, showcasing Terry Redlin’s unfinished works.
· Mellette House: The historic home is preparing for its seasonal opening.
· The Wolf Exhibit: A highly anticipated addition set to open this summer.
