As the 2009 tourism season rapidly approaches, the Rapid City Convention and Visitors Bureau has launched new ad campaigns and an enhanced Web page to attract more visitors to Rapid City and the Black Hills region.

"Coming off of a year of continued growth in tourism, in spite of a national recession, our goal is to invite people to explore Rapid City and the Hills and to make their travel planning experience easy and informative," Rapid City CVB executive director Michelle Lintz said in a news release. "Our ads are driving potential travelers to our Web site where they can not only learn about everything we have to offer, but they can book their vacation directly with us."

The campaign is designed to highlight Rapid City as the place to stay in the Black Hills with all of the comforts of home including WiFi and a morning latte. The ads will be featured in print, TV, radio and online and run in the key markets of Colorado, Minnesota, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Sioux Falls.

Also, the VisitRapidCity.com Web site has been redesigned with enhanced content management, search engine optimization and online booking capabilities that deliver a better visitor experience.

"It's no secret that 80 percent of travelers research and book their trips online," Lintz continued, noting that through the first four months of 2009, online and call center sales of vacation packages are up over 50% compared to 2008.

Closer to home, the CVB has also launched the "Introducing Rapid City" campaign within Rapid City to kick off National Tourism Week.

These billboards, print and radio ads emphasize how tourism not only benefits the state but Rapid City residetns directly through a healthier business community, more tax revenue and more jobs.

The Rapid City CVB is a division of the Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce. The Rapid City CVB's mission is to market the Rapid City area as a convention and leisure destination and to promote economic growth that will enhance the area for visitors and residents.