State, county tourism increases

Wyoming tourism economy made some great leaps in the fiscal year of 2014-15. According to the Wyoming Office of Tourism, the state had a record of 10.5 million people visit, this is up from the 10.1 million visitors in 2014.

Travel spending in the state grew to just under $3.4 billion in 2015, an increase of $9 million over the previous year. Visitor spending directly affects Wyoming's economy by generating $175 million in local and state tax revenues, up from $163 million in 2014. Since 2005, tax revenues generated by the tourism and hospitality industry have grown by more than 86 percent.

Hot Springs County also has seen a rise in lodging tax money in the county from tourism. The county had an 11 percent increase in 2015 from the previous year.

According to Amanda Moeller, Travel and Tourism Director, the county has seen the effect of these numbers. Hot Springs County has extended to Gillette and surrounding areas with advertising and has seen an increase in visitors from Campbell County.

Moeller has increased TV advertising with Billings and Casper stations. “The money that is received from the local lodging tax is used to promote Thermopolis and bring more people to stay and play in our community,” Said Moeller.

The lodging tax is paid by visitors that spend the night in lodging establishments such as a motel, RV park or vacation rental. Any stay that is less than 30 days is taxed.