Other views: Aberdeen could look at S.D. tourism strategy

Talk about it

The South Dakota Office of Tourism has implemented several new marketing strategies to attract vacationers.

The efforts include the use of seven semi-truck trailers displaying South Dakota experiences. The truck trailers are wrapped in stunning images from all corners of South Dakota, including Palisades State Park, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, rock climbing, horseback riding and Native American culture.

“The visitor industry is a competitive one, and we are always looking at new ways of marketing, promoting and getting noticed,” said Richard Benda, secretary of the Department of Tourism and State Development. “Wrapping the semi-truck trailers is a new and different tactic of letting travelers know there is a lot to experience in South Dakota.”

The trucks will deliver an estimated 48 million impressions across the U.S. and Canada.

In addition to the truck trailers, the Office of Tourism recently implemented a social media plan that includes posting updates to social Web sites, such as Facebook and Twitter. The Internet plan also includes two blogs, one for a general audience and one specifically aimed at outdoor enthusiasts.

We like both ideas and applaud state tourism for thinking outside the box. Total inquiries are up 12 percent.

Maybe Aberdeen can follow suit, especially on the semi idea. We have businesses in town that can wrap vehicles if Aberdeen would get one truck and fill it with Aberdeen tourism attractions.

The truck could hit the road regionally in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. It could hit regional communities — especially those hosting festivals — to promote the community during the spring and summer. If it is not used in the winter, freight could be hauled in the trailer that could remain wrapped in Aberdeen advertising.

Aberdeen has a lot to offer, and delivering that word by semi might be the road to follow.

Tags: other views, south dakota, opinion, editorials, aberdeen, tourism