CASPER (WNE) — The numbers have been crunched and the totals tallied: The 2023 Natrona County Economic Impact Report has been released. The county had 831,500 visitors last year and a total of 1,935,800 overnight stays, according to Visit Casper.
The county reported that travel created 2,893 jobs last year as travelers spent $375.2 million and stayed an average of two days.
The millions of dollars spent by tourists brought in $18.3 million in state and local taxes.
Wayne Stewart, director of marketing and communications, said in an interview with the Star Tribune that Wyoming’s travel and tourism numbers have rebounded to pre-COVID-19 levels.
Casper: “Visitors increased slightly year-over-year and spending increased by 4.6% compared to 2022.” [and there were] “We have more full-time and part-time jobs,” he said.
For additional context, he added that the amount every Natrona County resident would have to write a check for is $541 if the county doesn’t get the tourism it achieved in 2023.
And 2024 will be just as good, if not better, Stewart said. This year’s monthly accommodation tax amount has already set a record.
The 2,893 jobs supported by travelers in 2023 are a “very broad overview” of jobs in the hospitality field, from car rental store workers to coffee shop baristas to hotel receptionists, essentially tourism workers. All employees who have contact with customers were targeted.
Stewart said there is no concrete answer as to why people stay in the county for only two days, other than the fact that Casper is typically a gas and snack stop for many travelers. Ta. Attracting weekend travelers to stay longer is another important part of Visit Casper’s activities.
This article was published on May 16, 2024.
