LAKE TOXAWAY, N.C. — Skyterra Wellness Retreat announced today that it has been selected as a Tripadvisor 2020 Travelers’ Choice award winner — placing the retreat in the top 10% of hospitality businesses around the world.
“We are so grateful for all of our guests who took the time to leave us such positive feedback about their stay,” said Skyterra’s founder and owner Sue Crowell. “It’s their feedback that makes this award possible. Thank you all for your role in helping us win.”
In addition, USA Today recently named Skyterra as a top three wellness retreat in the nation for the third year in a row.
Credit: Courtesy of Skyterra Wellness Retreat
Opened in 2016, Skyterra averages 5-star ratings not only on Tripadvisor, but through guest reviews on Google and Facebook as well.
“Winners of the 2020 Travelers’ Choice Awards should be proud of this distinguished recognition,” said Kanika Soni, chief commercial officer at Tripadvisor. “Although it’s been a challenging year for travel and hospitality, we want to celebrate our partners’ achievements. Award winners are beloved for their exceptional service and quality. Not only are these winners deserving, they are also a great source of inspiration for travelers/diners as the world begins to venture out again.”
About Skyterra Wellness Retreat
A member of the Wellness Tourism Association, Skyterra first opened as a holistic health retreat. Today, the retreat consists of a team of experts that help guests begin new healthy habits and revitalize their lifestyles. Activities range from fitness classes, yoga, meditation, nutrition, stress management, health education and outdoor recreation. Spa services are also available at the retreat.
Mispillion River Brewing Credit: Delaware Tourism Office
DOVER, Del.(Sept. 21, 2020) — Nine large, interactive street art pieces will now guide travelers through a new way to experience Delaware attractions by creating their own Instagram-worthy moment.
Launched just in time for fall visitors to enjoy, the Delaware Discoveries Trail, created by the Delaware Tourism Office (DTO) includes never-before-seen artwork specially created to provide a perfect spot for a #DelawareDiscoveries photo to share on social media.
Delaware Art Museum Credit: Delaware Tourism Office
DTO commissioned local and national artists to paint nine pieces of one-of-a-kind outdoor artwork at the following locations:
Big Chill Beach Club
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal
DE Turf
Delaware Art Museum
Hagley Museum and Library
Mispillion River Brewing Company
Riverfront Wilmington
Town of Wyoming
“Tourism is an integral part of Delaware’s economy,” said Jeff Bullock, Delaware secretary of state. “These are challenging times for the state’s hospitality industry, and this innovative project provides visitors another reason to come to Delaware. Those travelers will boost the state’s hospitality industry by eating in local restaurants, staying in local hotels and visiting local attractions.”
Delaware Tourism Director Liz Keller said the Delaware Discoveries Trail, which has been in development for over a year, is designed to increase off-season visitation to Delaware and appeal to younger travelers.
Big Chill Beach Club Credit: Delaware Tourism Office
“The Delaware Tourism Office is taking an active role in developing new and exciting things to do in the state,” Keller said. “Each of the nine locations is unique and offers visitors the ability to immerse themselves in the artwork. We are aiming for wide appeal with this trail, a fun way for both younger travelers and art lovers of all ages to enjoy a socially-distant outdoor activity.”
Not only does the trail provide people the chance to be part of this art but also to make their own. When someone visits at least four of the nine locations, takes a photo in front of each piece of artwork and uploads those photos at delawarediscoveries.com, they will receive the free limited-edition prize, a paint pour kit developed with the Developing Artist Collaboration.
“The Delaware Discoveries Trail strongly supports Delaware’s local artists and helps drive awareness of the great local talent in our state,” said Leah Beach, executive director of the Developing Artist Collaboration. “This is an incredible opportunity for artists to showcase their talent because their work will be seen by the thousands of people each year who visit these popular tourist destinations.”
“Art can spark joy and bring people together,” said Kelsey Montague, the nationally known artist who painted the pieces of artwork at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge and Big Chill Beach Club. “I’ve traveled the world painting interactive street art, and I’m honored to be part of the Delaware Discoveries Trail. Delaware has incredible places for people to experience nature up close, and I hope my work encourages people to explore the great outdoors.”
The Delaware Discoveries Trail artists are Leah Beach, Natalia Ciriaco, Laura Erickson, Michael Johnson, Christian Kanienberg (winner of art contest) and Kelsey Montague.
Before visiting be sure to view the Go-To-Guide for tips on how to #ExploreSafelyDE. Remember to plan ahead. Maintain social distancing, wear a face covering and bring hand sanitizer. Make sure to review guidelines before arriving at your destination. Some locations may be operating under different capacity or require reservations. And stay home if you are sick.
To learn more and plan your trip to explore the Delaware Discoveries Trail, go to delawarediscoveries.com.
Earlier this year, theaters, performance halls and entertainment venues across the nation went dark as the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic. Once-full auditoriums were left empty, while box offices coast to coast were forced to close.
In June, the Broadway League announced the cancellation of all Broadway shows through the end of 2020 — a move that extended the longest production shutdown in Broadway’s history. The cancellations and shutdowns left tour operators wondering if entertainment could still be a part of their itineraries in the “new normal.”
Although the coronavirus has yet to make its curtain call, the entertainment industry has found innovative and creative means to keep the joy of performing arts alive for tour groups. Some theaters and venues are now back open, with safety precautions in place, while others are busy making plans for the day the curtains will rise again.
Home to more than 40 theater venues offering live music, comedy, variety and magic shows, Branson’s entertainment scene is a big draw for groups. Itinerary favorites include Sight & Sound Theatres, Clay Cooper Theatre, The Haygoods, Hughes Brothers Theatre and Presleys’ Country Jubilee, just to name a few.
At the time of publication, 80–85% of Branson’s shows had resumed after closing earlier this year due to the pandemic.
“Branson is open for business,” said Lenni Neimeyer, director of leisure group sales at Explore Branson. “We are practicing all the safety measures required of us and we’re just eager to host folks and entertain them. We’re ready — the show must go on!”
Safety measures in place for Branson shows include acrylic barriers between staff and visitors; health screenings for employees; social distancing seating charts; and modifications to intermissions, meet and greets and concessions. A comprehensive list of Branson’s safety measures can be found on Explore Branson’s website.
“As a chamber of commerce and convention and visitors bureau, our organization took the leadership role of bringing our businesses together based on our local health department guidelines and mandates by the governor of Missouri,” Neimeyer said. “The visitors we’ve had — groups and individuals — have been so appreciative of the steps we’ve taken.”
Neimeyer said something that often sets Branson apart from other theater destinations is how guests can get up-close and personal with the performers. With new social distancing measures, however, those things aren’t happening right now.
“It’s a shame, because that’s a reason why Branson is so popular — that up-close, personal contact and connection,” she said.
As expected, many tour operators cancelled trips to Branson this past spring and summer, but many rescheduled their trips to the fall and Christmas season.
“Tour groups are still coming; numbers are looking good for fall and Christmas and we have our fingers crossed that they’ll stay that way,” Neimeyer said. “We’re all bending over backward to help groups, but Branson is that way, anyway. That is not something new for us. We know how to treat our groups and they appreciate it.” 417-243-2105, explorebranson.com
Toby’s Dinner Theatre, Columbia, Maryland
Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Toby’s Dinner Theatre, Columbia, Md. Credit: Jeri Tidwell Photography
For more than 40 years, Toby’s Dinner Theatre has produced professional, theater-in-the-round productions for group tour guests, along with a buffet-style dinner. The theater has been closed since mid-March.
“At this time, we still have not received official word as to when we can reopen,” said Cheryl Clemens-Everidge, sales and marketing for Toby’s Dinner Theatre. “We will re-open once our area officials deem that it is safe. We want tour operators/planners to feel safe to make reservations and plans to visit us in the coming future and for them to know that we will work with them. This is an ever-changing situation and we must remain flexible.”
Toby’s Dinner Theatre can normally seat 300 guests. When the theater re-opens, Clemens-Everidge said the occupancy will be much less, most likely allowing for at least 6 feet between tables. Other planned safety protocols include a plated meal, instead of the traditional buffet, hand sanitation stands in the lobby and near restrooms, and minimizing lobby traffic during intermissions.
“I think that when tours start to re-open, we are going to be looking at much smaller groups,” Clemens-Everidge said. “We will still keep the groups on the motorcoach before taking them directly to their seats to minimize people gathering in our lobby. Even though their meal experience may be changed slightly for the time being, their evening entertainment experience will still be top notch!” 410-730-8311, tobysdinnertheatre.com
Medieval Times, multiple locations
Credit: Medieval Times
After a day of sightseeing, performances or travel, a visit to a Medieval Times castle immerses groups in the Middle Ages. Inspired by an 11th-century feast and tournament, Medieval Times is a two-hour dinner show complete with a four-course meal, live-action musical score, jousting knights and Andalusian horses. Medieval Times has 10 locations, known as castles.
“Our Orlando, Atlanta, Dallas and Scottsdale castles are open,” said Kristen Schascheck, vice president of sales at Medieval Times. “In our other six locations, we are still monitoring each state’s guidelines and have not yet announced our re-opening dates.”
Medieval Times has made some enhancements to its show experience, including social distancing, castle cleanliness and new health protocols. All guests over the age of six years old will have a temperature check before entering the castle and must wear a mask/face covering. A full list of changes can be found on the Medieval Times website.
“Like our operator partners, we believe that group travel provides life enhancing (and changing) experiences for students and adults alike,” Schascheck said. “We’ve been honored to be a part of thousands of itineraries for 30+ years and are committed to helping bring travel and tourism back to our communities. As each castle opens, our teams will be ready to safely welcome your groups, share in the fun and revelry of the tournament, and make amazing memories for our guests.”
Medieval Times is encouraging and accepting any and all feedback from tour operators as travel and tourism continue to rebound.
“We are taking all of their awesome feedback and requests and creating a catalog of educational elements and exemplary video content to enhance groups’ in-person visits and create opportunities for digital engagement,” Schascheck said. medievaltimes.com
The world’s oldest active sailing ship, Star of India, can be visited at the Maritime Museum of San Diego — also home to historic sailing ships, steam-powered boats and submarines.
This California attraction offers docent-led group tours and educational programs and experiences for students.
“Rather than just looking at artifacts under glass, students can gain firsthand experience walking the decks of ten historic ships that span 400 years of Pacific maritime history,” said Kelli Mulligan, development director at the museum.
Students will interact with history by using a simple machine to haul up a sail, steering a replica 16th-century galleon with a whipstaff or listening to the stories of a Vietnam veteran while riding on a PCF swift boat.
Some of the museum’s programs include overnight and multi-day activities for groups.
Credit: Ryan Hawk
The Days of Oar experience offers rowing lessons — as well as safety and communications skills — over the course of five days. Have a sleepover on one of the Tall Ships, which also includes a rowing lesson, black powder gun or cannon demonstration, and a 45-minute tour around San Diego Bay.
If desiring a shorter visit, the Education Sail program allows students to raise 7,000 square feet of sail and learn about the physics of sailing.
Most experiences incorporate not only history, but also STEM-based lessons.
“After visiting Maritime Museum of San Diego, we hope that students find STEM concepts are more accessible to them after seeing that even the most sophisticated technology evolves from simple beginnings and started with a need to solve a problem or answer a question,” Mulligan said.
In addition to student programs, the museum has a number of exhibits spread throughout its vessels.
For more information call 619-234-9153 or go to sdmaritime.org.
See where the Pony Express began and where Jesse James ended in St. Joseph. Once the westernmost point accessible by train before the Civil War, St. Joseph offers architecture, unique museums, nature and more.
“When you are ready, we are ready for you,” said Gracia Pinzino, group sales & service manager at the St. Joseph Convention & Visitors Bureau. “With personalized itineraries and hometown hospitality, we will help you every step of the way. And once you are here, you will be greeted like friends we have long awaited.”
St. Joseph not only boasts an exciting American history, but also a world-class art museum; an entertainment district; 48 parks; seasonal festivals; and local, one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants.
St. Joseph Convention & Visitors Bureau 800-785-0360 stjomo.com
DISCOVER
Credit: St. Joseph Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Pony Express National Museum highlights the history of this service where riders left both St. Joseph and Sacramento, California, simultaneously for a journey that covered 250 miles in one day. Exhibits include interactive dioramas, archaeological excavation sections and more. The Pony Express has been prestigiously awarded “Best Historical Learning Experience” from Lux Life Magazine.
TOUR
Credit: St. Joseph Convention & Visitors Bureau
Listed as one of “America’s Top Ten Western Museums” by True West Magazine in 2008, Patee House Museum was once a luxury hotel built in 1858 that served as headquarters to the Pony Express. Also onsite is the home where world-famous outlaw Jesse James was shot and killed. The museum hosts the Wild Things Carousel, the Buffalo Saloon and the Hannibal-St. Joseph Train.
LEARN
Credit: St. Jospeh Convention & Visitors Bureau
The award-winning Glore Psychiatric Museum tells the 145-year history of mental health treatment. Surgical tools, nurse uniforms and personal notes are among the many things on display. Exhibits include artwork and embroidered words created by patients. The museum is located on the former grounds of the state Lunatic Asylum No. 2.
EXPLORE
Credit: St. Joseph Convention & Visitors Bureau
Remington Nature Center is located in the Missouri River Valley and features a 7,000-gallon native fish aquarium and exhibits on black bears, beehives, fossils and the wooly mammoth. Book a group tour and get the chance to see the surrounding beautiful natural habitats and the indoor exhibits and to learn about Native American history, too.
Editor’s Note: During this period of social distancing, Student Group Tour magazine will continue to provide ideas for planning educational travel. Many attractions and destinations are closed at this time; please contact them directly for updated information.
Situated in the midst of a sprawling planned landscape, the Glass House in New Canaan, Connecticut, is one of several unique structures designed by American modernist architect Philip Johnson.
“The Glass House is a departure from what many students consider to be a home,” said Kate Lichota, manager of education and interpretation at The Glass House. “The design is strikingly modern even though the house itself is over 70 years old.”
The Glass House is an example of the early use of industrial materials in home design and highlights the modernist style. At 56 feet long, the building includes a kitchen, dining and entertaining space, and sleeping area all in one glass-enclosed room.
Docent led tours of 10–20 participants provide students ample opportunities to pose questions to their guide.
“Many questions are raised about if Johnson actually lived in the house (yes, he did), and where did he cook, eat and sleep,” Lichota said.
Guides speak to a number of topics about the history, construction, design and use of The Glass House and the other structures on the property. Buildings like the windowless Brickhouse; the Painting Gallery built into a grassy knoll; or the Da Monsta Gate House, which has no right angles, inspire inquiry about architecture and design.
Philip Johnson is generally included on the syllabus of most architecture or contemporary design history classes.
“Experiencing The Glass House in person is a vastly different experience than just viewing it in photographs.” Lichota said. “Seeing the home placed within the curated landscape is deeply instructive to how important the placement of a building within its landscape can be.”
High school groups treat the house in the context of their curriculum, like the social history of the 20th century. Students can take away information about a variety of themes — architecture, design, landscape design, contemporary art, social history and LGBTQ history.”
The Glass House is open seasonally.
For more information on The Glass House call 203-594-9884 or go theglasshouse.org.
Steps, Rock City Gardens Credit: Rock City Gardens
LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Ga. — Rock City Gardens announced its most significant trail enhancement project in recent years is underway, with several features already completed. The Enchanted Trail takes on more of a fairytale feeling beginning with the large arched portal door entrance to Fat Man’s Squeeze, leading to the latest installments in the Hall of the Mountain King.
The new trail features include a completed tunnel with glass ornaments set into the sparkling stone ceiling, use of fiber optics for colors and lighting, scroll design in the stone pathway, and steps showcasing fossils and glowing jewels. Elements that are currently still in-process involve a decorative railing, troll sculpture and grand staircase. Installments targeted for 2021 include an all-new Rainbow Hall with windows made from handmade art glass in the order of the rainbow, a bronze door set with colorful glass in the archway, an entrance portal for the Kingdom of the Trolls and an enormous chandelier with large crystals in the colors of the rainbow.
Fence, Hall of the Mountain King Credit: Rock City Gardens
Will Jackson, senior manager of innovation for See Rock City Inc., led the creative work behind the art, as well as the installations and partnerships with other area artists. “Chris Mosey of Ignis Glass Studio began producing the glass rondels for the railings and doorways, and Michael Brandt of Garage Bound began plasma cutting on the decorative railing panels from our digital design files,” said Jackson. “Terry Lohmann and his crew of stone masons began the massive task of building the walkways, overpasses, water features and walls necessary to make this idea come to life.”
The inspiration behind these additions to Rock City can be traced to the legacy of Rock City’s co-founder, Frieda Utermoehlen Carter, known for her love of story and desire to weave those stories into the gardens. The tale of the Troll King Peer Gynt has been a major focal point for the innovation team to develop this theme. Much of the design is also anchored around the number seven: seven colors of the rainbow, seven musical notes, seven steps that lead up to the top of the grand stairs and seven total steps in the Hall of the Mountain King.
“Our team at Rock City is committed to living our value of innovation, as we know that the experience our guests have when they visit is paramount to our continued success,” said Susan Harris, SRC Inc. president and CEO. “Bringing the trail to life in dynamic and artistic ways is part of our legacy, and Will and his team take seriously the need to shepherd that legacy forward.”
Arch, Hall of the Mountain King Credit: Rock City Gardens
Rock City Gardens strives to serve as a leading cultural innovator by partnering with local artisans to bring “Art in Nature” to the Enchanted Trail. Currently Rock City is home to seven sculptures made from recycled and reclaimed materials, inspired by the gardens’ natural beauty and peaceful effect. Just 6 miles from downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee, Rock City is an enchanted, 4,100-foot walking trail showcasing lush gardens, caves and soaring rock formations.
The Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention kept learning going throughout the COVID-19 pandemic; the Gainesville, Florida, museum offered — and still is offering — virtual field trip-style classes for student groups.
“Even for larger groups, we can send our Cade educators to their location for an in-person ‘field trip’-style class/experience,” said Sue Draddy, marketing director at the Cade Museum.
Opened in 2018, the Cade Museum was named for Dr. James Robert Cade, a nephrologist, UF professor and the lead inventor of Gatorade. The museum inspires students to think like and become inventors with immersive activities and cutting-edge technology.
If wanting to visit in-person, the Cade Museum is still offering hands-on STEAM experiments and activities in two labs — the Creativity Lab and the Fab Lab — in addition to its permanent and temporary exhibits open for tours.
“We introduce a new museum-wide theme every few months, and in addition to themed micro-exhibits, we offer a broad range of experiments and activities that dovetail with each new theme,” Draddy said.
Credit: Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
The museum has much to see and do, with options to explore it in two ways for groups. The discounted general admission option allows groups to explore the museum at their own pace. The Facilitated “Explore More” Guided Experience allows groups to engage with Cade Museum educators in each and every space of the museum.
In the Creativity Lab, students are pushed to think like inventors. The Fab Lab is the museum’s tech lab where students will build robots, design in third dimension and more.
All group tours include a visit to the Sweat Solution exhibit — the museum’s only permanent installation — which showcases the invention of Gatorade and its global impact.
“The Cade Museum also connects local and national inventors, entrepreneurs and visionaries through in-museum experiences,” Draddy said. Now through Jan. 2, 2021, the Cade Museum is featuring “Brain: The World Inside Your Head.” Students will learn about the inner workings of the mind and its mysteries.
For more information call 352-371-8001 or go to cademuseum.org.
Wellness tourism has been a part of the travel industry for decades now, but its popularity has boomed over the last few years, with more destinations, resorts, hotels and others offering experiences promoting physical, psychological and spiritual health.
The effect of COVID-19 on the tourism industry poses the question of not only when and if travel will resume to pre-Covid-19 levels, but also what experiences will be popular, with more travelers interested in safe, healthy trips.
We spoke with Anne Dimon, president/CEO of the Wellness Tourism Association (WTA) and founder/editor of TraveltoWellness.com to discuss wellness tourism and its impact during and post COVID-19.
Q. How has wellness tourism altered since its rise in popularity?
While it is difficult to pinpoint the exact timing when “wellness tourism” as a term and identifiable concept began to emerge, I believe “wellness tourism,” as we know it today, began within the spa industry and the launch of the “destination spa” concept, and emerged from there. While the term was once synonymous with the spa experience, it has evolved to encompass so much more including healthy food options, outdoor activities, spending mindful time in nature, sleep, stress management and mental health programs as well as learning opportunities around health, wellness and wellbeing.
Q. Are the terms “wellness tourism” and “wellness travel” the same?
While the terms are often interchanged, they are not synonyms. The WTA defines wellness tourism as “a specific division of global tourism industry that is defined by the common goal of marketing natural assets and activities primarily focused on serving the wellness-minded consumer and those who want to be.” Wellness travel is “travel that allows the traveler to maintain, enhance or kick-start a healthy lifestyle, and support or increase one’s sense of wellbeing.”
Anne Dimon, president/CEO of the Wellness Tourism Association Credit: Courtesy of Anne Dimon
Q. How has and how will COVID-19 affect wellness tourism in the United States and Canada?
COVID-19 has pretty much devastated the tourism industry and the wellness sector has suffered right along with all other sectors. But at the WTA, we are optimistic that as the industry slowly and smartly begins to recover, health and wellness — along with safety — will be top-of-mind.
Thanks, in no small part, to the pandemic, many more of us have become more mindful and proactive when it comes to our own health, and being proactive about striving to achieve and maintain good health will continue to be a new priority in our lives. This, in turn, will continue to drive the wellness tourism industry. More travelers will want to incorporate wellness habits and practices into their travels, while others will want their travels to take them to places where they can learn how to become healthier and remain healthier. They will want to learn, for instance, about ways to manage stress and anxiety, achieve a healthier weight, and balance and strengthen their immune systems. I am optimistic that as the tourism industry begins to recover, that overriding concern about personal health will continue to remain a focus.
Q. What are consumers indicating will be their top motivations for Wellness Vacations post-pandemic?
Our recent online survey that generate responses from close to 4,000 people across 48 countries and territories revealed that the top 8 Wellness Vacation Motivations post-pandemic are: to return to everyday life feeling rejuvenated; to escape the demands of everyday life; to experience activities outdoors; to look and feel better; to connect with nature; to find peace and quiet; to get a better night’s sleep; and to learn general ways to improve one’s health.
When compared to our 2019 Wellness Travel Consumer Survey, what we are seeing is an increasing demand for nature-based experiences. We plan to present a “deeper dive” into the survey during a WTA webinar scheduled for early September.
Q. What are some standards WTA looks for in DMOs, hotels/retreats/resorts, etc.?
The main standard for multi-purpose hotels/resorts and retreats are that they must offer significant support programs/options for the guest who is a wellness traveler — defined as “an individual who makes wellness the primary purpose of a trip.” These programs/options should include but not be limited to:
A menu of healthy food options available in one or more food outlets on a regular basis
Year-round fitness options (beyond just a gym) in the form of yoga classes or other wellness or fitness focused sessions. They may or may not be complimentary to guests.
Some accommodations that are deemed wellness focused, for instance — a quiet floor.
If the hotel/resort offers meeting spaced, there be a program in place to offer delegates wellness options.
Multi-day wellness-themed packages/programs offered several times a year. This should be beyond a simple spa package.
For DMOs they must have a destination-wide wellness initiative in place that supports the pillars of wellness travel. Plus, there are assets and attributes they should offer in order to refer to themselves as a Wellness Destination.
Q. What wellness resorts/retreats have you personally visited in North America?
As a travel and industry journalist for close to 25 years, I have been fortunate to travel the world on assignment visiting many true “wellness retreats” and “wellness resorts” along the way, and I plan to continue to do so in order to bring unbiased editorial information to the consumers who need and demand it. In North America, the properties that I have visited, can personally recommend and that may be amenable to small groups include: Spa Eastman and Le Monastère des Augustines in Quebec; Grail Springs Wellness Retreat and St. Anne’s Spa in Ontario; Sparkling Hill Resort in British Columbia; Art of Retreat Center in North Carolina; Canyon Ranch in Tucson; Pritikin Longevity Center + Spa in Miami; and Red Rock Mountain Resort in Utah.
All of the above except Le Monastère des Augustines and Pritikin are surrounded by and provide easy access to nature and would appeal to the growing numbers — according to our survey — looking for “nature-focused experiences.”
The Wellness Tourism Association (WTA) is a global network for qualifying DMOs, hotels/resorts/retreats, tour operators, travel advisors, wellness practitioners, media, partners and others in the global wellness tourism industry. To find more stories on what others are offering in the wellness tourism space, visit traveltowellness.com.
Credit: Wyoming Office of Tourism/Courtesy of TravMedia.com
WYOMING — The South Dakota Department of Tourism and the Wyoming Office of Tourism have joined forces to create the Black to Yellow tourism campaign, a new effort promoting travel to their states.
The campaign runs through September of this year and includes a number of itineraries highlighting both their more well-known attractions and lesser-known gems.
“Folks from every corner of the country are road tripping to South Dakota’s great places and open spaces,” said South Dakota Governor, Kristi Noem. “Our partnership with the Wyoming Office of Tourism will help expand our message and attract adventurers looking to explore the beauty of America’s most treasured landmarks”
“Wyoming’s unparalleled wide-open spaces give travelers and abundance of opportunities to explore and to do so safely,” said Mark Gordon, Governor of Wyoming. “Wyoming and South Dakota’s new road trip campaign will truly showcase the pioneering spirit, a rich history and western hospitality both states have to offer.”
From South Dakota’s Badlands National Park to Wyoming’s Yellowstone National Park, itineraries will take travelers by Devils Tower and Black Hills National Forest — as well as quirky roadside stops. All itineraries and travel resources are available at blacktoyellow.com.
In addition, the states will partner with a social media influencer to capture and share their favorite attractions and experiences while on the road.
About South Dakota
South Dakota is home to Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the Old West town of Historic Deadwood. Surrounded by both prairies and mountain ranges, the state boasts six national parks, a rich Native American Heritage, more than 100 museums, and numerous fossil fields and archaeological sites.
About Wyoming
Wyoming is home to a few notable firsts, including the nation’s first national park (Yellowstone), the first national monument (Devils Tower) and the first national forest (Shoshone). While the state is the least populated in the country with an estimated 580,000 residents, it welcomes millions of visitors annually due to its rich history and beautiful natural surroundings.
