Lodging tax revenue continues to climb

 


At the April 20 Hot Springs County Travel and Tourism meeting held at the Quality Inn, treasurer Audra Dominguez gave the financial report and said that March’s lodging tax revenue was $9,569.22, which was a 25% increase over the previous year. It was the highest-earning March, with the exception of 2014/15. In 2014/15, the lodging tax was $11,312.51 but that was due to the workers helping clean the flood of the Wind River Canyon. She said this year’s lodging tax revenue comes strictly from tourism spending, as there is no construction going on in the area.

Also, for the 2021/2022 budget, the board’s projected expenses are $292,260 and the current total revenue is $304,760. The board voted and passed approval to accept the financial report.

Tourism director Jackie Dorothy gave her report and said, “Tourism has been increasing in Thermopolis. The fishing community continues to go strong and tourists are also discovering our new and old hiking trails, a current trend in adventure-seeking. The mineral hot springs have received national attention and we continue to show up in international articles.” The board voted and approved to accept the director’s report.

In old business, the board discussed their progress on the digital billboard project. Their goal is to have it purchased and installed by this coming fall. Chairman Carl Leyba said they plan to visit county emergency planner Bill Gordon about incorporating notification or information related to emergencies, such as an Amber Alert. If the digital billboard is successful, the board plans to expand and add three other signs at the different entrances to the town. 

Also, regarding the traditional billboards, there was a discussion about investigating other locations to add billboard installations. The board also discussed redesigning the ad and Chairman Leyba noted that they should add “Thermopolis” to the top of the billboard. There was also a discussion about incorporating a QR code in the billboard that would help travelers immediately access the board’s tourism website.

In new business, the board welcomed Mike Sinclair into the At Large position, which comes from the East Thermopolis jurisdiction. The At Large board member doesn’t have to own a lodging business, but it is a representative of the county overall. 

Schenck Photography presented eight 15-second videos to the board that will be used as ads. The videos have different focuses on their subject matter. They feature Thermopolis, the State Park, Legend Rock, adventurous activities, the Big Horn River, and others. The board voted and approved to accept the videos, which were previously budgeted. 

The board then planned to have a budget meeting on May 18 at 11 a.m. which will be for board members only. Their budget is due in June and must be ready to be submitted.

 

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