RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) Tourism operators in the Black Hills region say they're seeing the impact of $4-a-gallon gasoline.

Rapid City Mayor Alan Hanks owns a campground. He says a "tipping point" is coming where Gas Prices are so high that the entire travel industry will suffer.

Hanks and others at a tourism conference told Senator John Thune that most western South Dakota tourism businesses are doing surprisingly well so far, considering the rise in fuel costs and associated effects.

Bill Honerkamp of the Black Hills, Badlands and Lakes Association says tourism fell about 7 percent in the region in May, but visitation in June was in line with last year.



(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 07-04-08 1635CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list