Weather plays big role in slow start to tourism season

PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – The long cold wet spring is having an impact on visitors to the state.

South Dakota Department of Tourism Secretary Jim Hagen says it has been a slow start.

Hagen says the weather has hit most outdoor activities.

Hagen says they do have some visitation numbers to state and national parks through mid May.

Tourism visitation has risen to record levels in each of the last nine years, hitting just over $4 billion in revenue last year.