May 4-10, 2025 National Travel & Tourism Week
Visit Brookings is pulling out all the stops to celebrate the travel industry during National Travel & Tourism Week. We’re proud to be part of a billion dollar industry within South Dakota.
What is National Travel and Tourism Week?
National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) is an annual celebration highlighting the vital role of travel in driving our nation’s economy, fostering vibrant communities, and building connections.
Established in 1983 by the U.S. Travel Association, NTTW has become a cherished tradition. It showcases how travel boosts economic growth, creates quality jobs, inspires new businesses, and enhances the quality of life for Americans every day.
2025 NTTW will be a HOSPITALITY EXPLOSION!
Visit Brookings plans to celebrate employees who work in restaurants, bars, hotels, convenience stores, attractions, meeting venues, and other visitor industry businesses during NTTW. As part of the fun, we’re bringing back a chance to win big and are asking for your help in scoring additional prizes.
Event and game are TBD. Check back later for additional updates.
Visit Brookings Tourism Awards
- Larson Family Tourism Champion Award: Jeff Holm
- This coveted honor recognizes individuals who work tirelessly to spread the message and garner support for tourism. Holm is the senior associate athletic director for facilities and operations at South Dakota State University and has a reputation of being an outstanding advocate for the community in both business and personal dealings. He and his team work tirelessly to create a fun and welcoming environment for game-day fans, university students and returning alumni.
- Tourism Facility of the Year: Larson Ice Center
- Between hockey tournaments and games, figure skating events and curling activities, the Larson Ice Center plays a key role in attracting visitors and filling hotels rooms during the shoulder season. The organizations who utilize the facility have excellent reputations for hosting statewide events and solidifying Brookings’ reputation as a desired destination during the winter months.
- Extra Mile Award: Brookings Marathon
- The Brookings Marathon celebrated its 55th anniversary with this year’s event in May. Since 1970, the marathon has welcomed hundreds of runners to the community. Through hotel stays, restaurant visits and other spending in the community, the event has generated over $14 million in economic impact since its inception.
- Hospitality Hero Award: Dex Stewart
- This award recognizes an individual who strives to provide the best in customer service and sets the bar for exemplary service and customer satisfaction. Stewart has provided service and generosity to many at the Hampton Inn & Suites for the past 15 years.
Have You Had Excellent Customer Service
We’ve all had great service. Maybe it’s the smile you got first thing in the morning at the drive through. How about the person who made your day by the warm welcome during your last hotel stay?
We invite you to help recognize our Brookings Great Faces with Star Cards! Hand the cards out to anyone who provides exemplary service or grab a larger Star Card and leave a note behind.
Thank you to all the partners who have joined Visit Brookings to thank the workers in the hospitality industry! Working together makes us all stronger. If you or your business would like to join in the celebration, click the link below to let us know how you can help.