South Dakota Taps Three Agencies to Lead State Tourism Marketing Push

Travel South Dakota has selected three marketing and public relations firms to guide the state’s tourism promotion efforts, capping a competitive bidding process that drew interest from agencies across the country.

The state tourism office said Lawrence & Schiller, Lou Hammond Group and Miles Partnership will begin work July 1, 2026, under contracts that each run three years, with the option of two additional one-year renewals.

Under the arrangement, the three firms will divide responsibilities across the state’s marketing operation. Lawrence & Schiller will oversee the statewide community cooperative marketing program, special projects and email marketing strategy. Lou Hammond Group will handle media and public relations efforts. Miles Partnership will lead creative branding, traditional and digital media strategy, activations, print, social media and website development.

The selection followed a request-for-proposal process that began in December 2025, when the state issued a solicitation through the South Dakota Office of Procurement. Fifty firms submitted written proposals, and seven advanced to oral presentations before the final selections were made.

“These three outstanding marketing agencies reflect our commitment to strengthening South Dakota’s tourism marketing efforts,” said James Hagen, Secretary of the Department of Tourism. “We’re excited to continue our partnership with these talented teams. They know our state well, have done award-winning work for us over the past number of years, and share our passion for growing tourism’s impact in South Dakota. We are well positioned to continue growing our brand, reach travelers in meaningful ways, and further increase tourism’s economic impact across our state.”

Travel South Dakota works with agency partners to position the state as a tourism destination and to develop marketing campaigns aimed at attracting visitors. The three firms will coordinate closely with the state agency to execute integrated strategies across the contract term.

The South Dakota Department of Tourism includes both the state’s tourism division and the South Dakota Arts Council. The department is led by Secretary James D. Hagen.

By: Montana Newsroom wire