Recently, Black Hills & Badlands Tourism Association (BH&B) attended the American Bus Association (ABA) Marketplace in Philadelphia, representing our region to hundreds of tour operators and travel planners. The show was a resounding success, with strong interest from operators eager to bring their groups to the Black Hills & Badlands.
This year, BH&B had a full schedule of pre-arranged appointments with operators specifically requesting to meet with us—an encouraging sign of growing demand for our destination. In fact, interest was so high that we received additional appointment requests that could not be accommodated within our schedule. However, we made the most of networking opportunities to connect with many of these operators outside of scheduled meetings, ensuring that our region remained top of mind for future tour planning.
BH&B, in partnership with Deadwood, also had the privilege of hosting the Operator’s Welcome Reception. This event placed our destination in the spotlight, allowing us to share the unique experiences that make the Black Hills & Badlands a must-visit for group travel. The reception was well attended and provided a fantastic opportunity to showcase what makes our region a standout choice for tour operators.
With such a positive response at ABA Marketplace, we are confident that 2025 and beyond will bring an increase in group tours to our region. BH&B has sent the appointment notes to our association members, providing valuable insights and follow-up opportunities to help turn these conversations into confirmed tours. If you have not received them, please reach out to us.
Thank you to all of our members for your continued support in promoting the Black Hills & Badlands as a premier group travel destination. We look forward to working together to welcome more visitors and create unforgettable experiences in our region!
