May 11, 2023 |
Photo – Carbon County Visitor’s Council 2023 logo – Bigfoot99 file image
The first full week of May has been designated National Tourism and Travel Week.
The Carbon County Visitor’s Council is celebrating the state’s hospitality agencies during National Tourism and Travel Week. CCVC’s Chief Executive Officer Leslie Jefferson explained how National Tourism and Travel Week came about.
Jefferson said tourism is one of the most important aspects of the Wyoming economy. Quoting Diane Shober, the Executive Director of the Wyoming Officer of Tourism, Jefferson said the hospitality industry is the state’s largest industry.
Jefferson said travel and tourism is a critical part of Carbon County as well. The Visitor’s Council CEO said National Tourism and Travel Week honors the people who work to make out-of-town guests feel welcome.
Jefferson said last summer’s flooding in Yellowstone National Park caused a 3% decrease in tourism spending across the state when compared to 2021. Even with fewer visitors, Jefferson said tourists spent billions of dollars in Wyoming. The Visitor’s Council CEO said Carbon County received more than $220 million in tourist spending and produced more than $12 million in taxes.
Jefferson said more than 33,000 people across the state are employed in the tourism and hospitality industries with 1,840 jobs here in Carbon County.
Jefferson said Carbon County is an amazing place to visit. The Visitor’s Council CEO explained some of the recreation options available for adventurous tourists.
Jefferson said Saratoga’s Hobo Hot Springs draws people to the area. She said guest ranches also attract visitors with authentic western experiences, such as horseback riding.
Jefferson said the Carbon County Visitor’s Council didn’t plan a large celebration for this year’s National Tourism and Travel Week. Jefferson said she focused on distributing merchandise emblazoned with the Visitor’s Council’s new slogan, Discover Carbon County Wyoming.
Jefferson said as a tie-in between National Tourism and Travel Week and National Eat What You Want Day, today the Carbon County Visitor’s Council Facebook page will post pictures of food items available at local restaurants. Jefferson said the posts will change hourly and will only consist of photos shared by each restaurant. No patron or customer photos will be shared on the Visitor’s Council Facebook page.
