PIERRE, S.D.(DRGNews)- While the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on the tourism industry in other states, South Dakota fared fairly well in 2020.

The South Dakota Department of Tourism says 12.6 million visitors came to the state last year resulting in $3.4 billion in visitor spending.

State Tourism Department Deputy Secretary Wanda Goodman says during National Travel and Tourism Week this week (May 2-8), they’re highlighting the role tourism plays in bringing back vibrant communities, powering our state’s economy and reconnecting America.

Goodman says early indicators are that 2021 will be a busy tourism season.

She says South Dakota offers several of the vacation opportunities people are looking for.

Goodman says last year visitors generated $276 million in taxes, which provided $780 in tax savings for every household in South Dakota.

For more information, please visit SDVisit.com.