North Dakota tourism keeps growing

Third quarter 2026 numbers from North Dakota Tourism show continued growth compared with last year. Visitor spending rose 12.3%, overall visits increased 4.5%, hotel occupancy climbed 3.4%, short term rental occupancy rose 4.0%, and Theodore Roosevelt National Park visitation was up 14.7%.

At the annual Travel Industry Marketing Summit in Medora on October 15, ND Tourism reported that this year's campaign generated $4 million in hotel bookings and an estimated $379 million in incremental visitor spending. The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library has welcomed 160,000 visitors through early October. Plans for 2027 include new cooperative advertising opportunities and a stronger focus on winter travel, lesser known experiences, and multi day trips. Explore the state's tourism research and reports.

State creates a unified workforce agency

Gov. Kelly Armstrong announced a new unified workforce agency at the 2026 Governor's Workforce Summit and named Katie Ralston Howe the state's first workforce commissioner. The agency brings together workforce programs currently spread across several state agencies, including Commerce's Workforce Development Division, Job Service North Dakota, Adult Education, and Vocational Rehabilitation. The new ndwin.gov website now serves as a central place for employers and job seekers to find workforce programs and services. The governor plans to ask the 2027 Legislature to formally establish the Department of Workforce Development, which would take effect July 1, 2027 if approved. Read the announcement.

Talent Pipeline Fly-In Grants now open

Communities can apply for up to $25,000 in matching funds to host fly-in events that connect job seekers with local employers and showcase local quality of life. Learn more and apply.

NDHA will continue to share tourism and workforce updates that affect North Dakota's hospitality industry.