WYOMING — The Wyoming Department of Tourism shared statewide statistics on the economic role tourism plays in the Cowboy State ahead of the National Travel and Tourism Week commemoration.
The 2023 Travel Economic Impact Report noted that tourism is Wyoming’s second largest industry, impacting all 23 counties. Approximately 8.7 million visitors came to Wyoming last year, an increase of 13.8% compared to 2022. These visitors spent $4.8 billion on goods and services provided by Wyoming businesses, an increase of 6.5% compared to 2022. That expenditure amounted to $263 million in sales and usage. Tax resources for local and state governments increased by 6.3%.
“Year after year, the data shows how important travel and tourism is to Wyoming’s economic growth,” Wyoming Tourism Authority Executive Director Diane Schober said in a statement. “We know that the true value that Wyoming’s wonders bring to visitors and residents is immeasurable and must be experienced firsthand to be understood.”
The report also includes data on income and employment, including the statistic that employment in the “tourist economy” increased by 2.6% last year and now stands at more than 33,000 people. Salaries and wages increased by 14.3%, totaling $1.2 billion in revenue, according to the report.
“Wyoming boasts iconic national landmarks, world-class museums, and many other attractions, offering visitors endless opportunities to explore,” the announcement reads. “Travel is a major contributor to sales and use taxes and is Wyoming’s largest private sector employer, making it essential to the state’s economic health.”
Click here for the full report.
Marianne is a community news reporter with an interest in community, entertainment, and quirky locals. She’s from California and loves podcast recommendations.
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