You know the phrase that's become so popular the past several years: "Great Faces. Great Places. South Dakota." But South Dakota tourism officials are changing things up and trying something new to attract visitors to the state.

     The South Dakota Department of Tourism has adopted a new marketing campaign for use in TV commercials, print ads, and the department's redesigned website. Tourism Secretary Jim Hagen says it's very different than past campaigns, it features aerial footage of South Dakota's grand vistas, accompanied by dramatic music and narration.

     Hagen says, "I think folks are really going to like it a lot. It's called 'Your American Journey', and it really beckons to Americans' yearnings to take a journey to explore new places, to see historic places, places of unimaginable beauty, and what better place than the Black Hills to feature all that?" Hagen believes the keys to attracting tourists to the state are getting them to connect on an emotional level and showcasing South Dakota in a way they've never seen it before. He says the "Great Faces/Great Places" slogan and song will still be used just not as much.

Julie Oberlander

Associated Press