27.1 million tourism dollars spent in HSC

During this time of uncertainty and closures that have negatively impacted our economy, Hot Springs County Travel & Tourism have teamed up with the Wyoming Office of Tourism (WOT) to unite residents with the Spirit of Travel.

Wyoming’s travel and tourism industry will be essential to Wyoming’s recovery, especially since it is Wyoming’s number two economy generator.

“Now, more than ever, it is extremely important to recognize Wyoming’s tourism industry contributions and continue to advocate its vitality to the state,” said Diane Shober, executive director of Wyoming Office of Tourism. “Communities benefit from the spirit of travel, which permeates through Wyoming’s small businesses, our iconic landmarks and all those who welcome residents and visitors alike with hospitality. Our state is resilient; I have no doubt our industry will revive and come back stronger than ever.”

The annual Travel Economic Impact Report for 2019 was released earlier this month. In 2019, Wyoming’s tourism and hospitality industry experienced another year of growth when travel spending by visitors reached more than $3.95 billion, according to this report conducted by Dean Runyan Associates. Although Wyoming’s tourism and hospitality industry had a strong year in 2019, it is crucial for Wyoming to unite and help usher in a strong return to travel and tourism in 2020.

Hot Springs County had also experienced growth with a 10% increase in tourism revenue. According to the Runyan report, 27.1 million dollars were spent by visitors in Hot Springs County and 250 people were employed in the hospitality industry.

To celebrate the tourism industry and to continue moving forward in these current uncertainties, Hot Springs County Travel & Tourism will be participating in the U.S. Travel Association’s National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), slated for May 3-9. NTTW supports the travel and tourism industry with this year’s theme, the Spirit of Travel cannot be broken.

Working with WOT, Hot Springs Travel & Tourism will continue to advocate for tourism and dedicate NTTW to educating the public on the value travel holds for Wyoming’s economy, business and personal well-being.

“In Wyoming, tourism is the second largest private-sector employer in the state,” said Chris Brown, executive director of Wyoming Travel Industry Coalition. “What better way to underscore our resilience than a week recognizing the travel and tourism industry, honoring our local destinations and attractions.”

Celebrate the Spirit of Travel during NTTW by joining us on our Hot Springs Travel & Tourism Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/thermopolistourism, and posting your own pictures with the hashtag #SpiritofTravel.

We will be hosting a fun photograph scavenger hunt that will begin May 3rd with prizes for the winning photographs in each of six categories. Winners will be published in the Independent Record and on our Facebook page on May 20.

National Travel and Tourism Week:

Sunday, May 3 | Hot Springs County Photo Scavenger Hunt begins

Monday, May 4 | Support Wyoming Attractions Day with virtual tours of our local museums and Children’s Discovery Area

Tuesday, May 5 | Rally Support for Travel

Wednesday, May 6 | Support Wyoming’s Hotels/Lodging Day with posts from our local hotels who are still open during this time of world crisis.

Thursday, May 7 | Celebrate our Wyoming State Park and Outdoor Recreation Day with virtual tours of Hot Springs State Park and Legend Rock which remain open for recreation.

Friday, May 8 | Support Wyoming’s Restaurants/Culinary Day by ordering take-out and taking virtual tours of our local restaurants.

Saturday, May 9 | Support Made in Wyoming Products Day by sharing your “made in Hot Springs County” products on our Travel & Tourism Facebook page

Tourism Week honors the spirit of travel in recognition of the industry’s strength, selflessness and resiliency.