CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Office of Tourism has released its Wyoming Economic Impact of Travel 2020 report, prepared by Dean Runyan Associates. According to the report, the Wyoming travel economy declined 23 percent in a year where travel was limited and socially distant destinations were in greater demand, while the U.S. travel economy declined 36 percent.
The newly published study includes detailed economic data for the state as well as specific data for all 23 counties, including traveler spending, visitor volume, and industry-related jobs.
“The past year has been unprecedented for the world and the travel industry, but as the most sparsely populated state, Wyoming was uniquely positioned as a travel destination for those who want to enjoy expansive spaces in a socially distant setting,” said Diane Shober, executive director of the Wyoming Office of Tourism said in a press release. “Our local communities and businesses have worked hard over the past year to make visitors feel safe and we’re in a much better position now because of their resilience.”
2020 ECONOMIC IMPACT::
– Wyoming welcomed 6.9 million overnight guests who spent more than $ 3.05 billion.
Visitor spending had a direct impact on Wyoming’s economy by generating $ 160 million in local and state tax revenue, which helped fund jobs and public programs.
– Each Wyoming household would have to pay about $ 678 more in taxes without the travel and tourism industry’s tax revenue.
Travelers to the state supported 40,720 jobs in Wyoming, including 28,630 directly in the travel industry and 12,090 in other industries.
– Travel expenses generated direct payroll of $ 935.2 million.
– Travel and tourism support 7% of total employment in Wyoming, or 1 in 10 jobs.
– Recreation and the hospitality industry are the largest employer of any private industry in Wyoming.
The full 2020 report can be found at https://ss-usa.s3.amazonaws.com/c/308476362/media/17346086f39614c4e61413173479784/WY_County_Detail_2020.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=sharpspring&sslid=MzM3NbI0MrIwszS3BAA&sseid=MzIyMDG1MLAwMwcA&jobid=c006c3a6-2fba-4bd8-ac80-0877c1fae179.
Published in advance of Wyoming’s participation in National Travel and Tourism Week, May 2-8, the report recognized the “power of travel” as this year’s theme. National Travel and Tourism Week, held annually by the US Travel Association, advocates and celebrates the value of travel to business, business, and personal wellbeing.
To kick off the summer season, the Wyoming Office of Tourism is launching its second year of the WY Responsibly campaign. The campaign aims to promote and facilitate responsible travel in Wyoming’s natural spaces, wildlife encounters, and community engagement. The Wyoming Office of Tourism has partnered with 10 national and state outdoor agencies to provide resources for a sustainable and enjoyable outdoor experience, including:
– – PLAN AHEAD: Make reservations at hotels and campsites with reservable spaces, including Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park, prior to travel.
– – BE HEALTHY: For the sake of collective wellbeing, respect health policy and requirement signs and announcements to keep our communities safe. Masks are required in all federal states including national parks.
– – BE FLEXIBLE AND INFORMED: Plan ahead and be flexible with your experiences. For example, if a parking lot in a state or state park is full, you should be ready to look for various trails and lesser-known experiences.
– – KEEP IT CLEAN: When experiencing public land, be prepared not to have access to trash cans or toilets, especially when recreating in national forests.
– – BE FIRE AWARE: Respect the applicable fire bans, choose a campsite with pre-existing fire rings if possible and never leave your fire unattended.
– – KEEP YOUR DISTANCE: Live responsibly with Wyoming’s wildlife and keep your distance. For the safety of wildlife and visitors, stay at least 100 meters from bears and wolves and at least 25 meters from all other wildlife.
To learn more about safe and responsible travel in Wyoming, visit www.travelwyoming.com/wy-responsible. Travelers and locals can share their experiences and on social media by using #WYResponsibly and tagging @visitwyoming.
ABOUT THE WYOMING OFFICE OF TOURISM
The Wyoming Office of Tourism is the only state agency tasked with promoting and marketing Wyoming as a vacation destination for domestic and international travelers. Wyoming is the ninth largest state by area and the most sparsely populated state in the country with an estimated 580,000 inhabitants. There are many novelties in Wyoming, including the country’s first national park (Yellowstone), the first national monument (Devils Tower), and the first national forest (Shoshone). These special places, along with other natural wonders like Grand Teton National Park and the Bighorn Mountains, and Wyoming’s warm cowboy hospitality, welcome millions of visitors annually.
To learn more about Wyoming, visit www.TravelWyoming.com.
