MT. RUSHMORE, S.D.(WNAX)- South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and state Tourism Department Secretary Jim Hagen made stops at Mt Rushmore and in Sioux Falls Monday to mark “National Travel and Tourism Week.”

Noem, at Mt Rushmore, says the state has a great story to tell visitors.

Noem says tourism is critical to the state’s economy.

Noem says even during the pandemic last year, the state made extensive impressions.

Hagen said the stage is set for the state to break visitation records set in 2019.